Buckets of Ideas

Christmas 2011

2011-12-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

I just looked and the last post I made was over a year ago! I was in the middle of working on 100 projects on my last post. I was diagnosed with Adrenal Exhaustion about then and pretty much everything stopped. I am feeling much better and ready to get up and going again. I will post soon about Adrenal Exhaustion - it is something that I think many people have and don't know it. I would like to help educate people about it ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Busy time of year~! I love Christmas - I post my Christmas happenings for the most part on my Christmas Blog - http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/ Would love to have you join me over in my Christmas blogging room.

Today I have been canning tomatoes. I need room in my freezer for holiday cooking and pulled them all out to make speghetti sauce. I had two bushels of tomatoes stuffed in the freezer - no wonder I didn't have any room! The recipe I am using is from the Ball Canning Book. It looks lovely! You know the show Get Smart and when Maxwell Smart is in the cone of silence and screams "I am so Happy....." only the cone doesn't work...that is how I feel about the tomatoes - my canning is officially done for 2011!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am combining several of my blogs into this one and have taken a few posts to add here - thanks for stopping by - signing off for today! Paula

Fun Treats and Gingerbread House How To's

2011-12-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Like many of you we have made a Grahm Cracker House Vilage every year since our children were small. Now we have grandchildren, we still have our "Gingerbread Day."All you have to do is to gather your supplies listed below and let everyone construct their houses! We always eat them on New years Ever with a cup of Hot Chocolate.Have so much fun and take pictures!Here are some instructions I found on a website listed at the end.You Need:Graham crackers (10 per house - allow for mistakes though!)White chocolate chips or white candy melts (approx. 6 oz. per house)Assorted candies for decoratingPiping bags and tips or gallon size freezer bags (make sure your bags have a nice square corner, not a pleated one.)First prepare graham crackers. Two whole grahams need to be trimmed for front and back panels (see diagram A). Make sure to start knife at point "A" and bring back of knife down to point "B" to keep tip of cracker from crumbling. Check to see if the angle you cut is right by putting two whole "roof shingle" grahams up against the front panel to see if they will fit as in the final assembly. Create a door with a small piece of graham (approx. 1 "x 2").Now is the time to make the mortar for your house. Heat the white chips or candy melts either in the microwave or on a double boiler just until melted. Stir smooth. Chocolate at this point should be warm, not hot! If it's too hot to handle, let it cool. If you're using a piping bag, prepare the tip. Spoon chocolate into piping bag or freezer bag and squeeze down to the tip of bag (or corner if it's a freezer bag). Seal bag behind chocolate by twisting. If using a freezer bag, cut the slightest bit off the corner to create a tip (if too much chocolate comes out or if bag springs a leak at some point, use a new bag).To create base, place three grahams side by side with approximately 1/16" space between (see diagram B). Pipe white chocolate mortar down between crackers to fill the gap. When done, Push grahams together (just slightly). Let set a few minutes.Start on construction of the house. First run a bead of mortar along bottom edge of front panel. Set in place on base and hold or prop till sets. (Chocolate mortar tends to set up pretty fast, though). Then run a bead of mortar along back edge of front panel (where it will meet side panel) and along side edge and bottom edge of side panel. Set in place. See diagram C to show how cracker "walls" will align. Pipe additional mortar along seams for support. Do the same thing for other side panel. Next, pipe mortar along back edges and bottom of back panel. Set in place. Strengthen seams, if needed with additional mortar. Let set a few minutes until sturdy. Next pipe mortar along top edges of half of house where one roof panel will go. Put panel in place. Hold or prop to set. When set, pipe mortar along top edges of other half of house and peak edge of already-installed roof panel. Set in place. Hold or prop to set. If roof panels don't match perfectly, try to fill with mortar or for a really big gap use candies or licorice to conceal. Using mortar as glue, adhere door to front panel.Decorate house as desired. (suggestions: gumdrops, peppermint candies, m&m's, candied fruit slices, candy canes. licorice, nonpareils, cookies, assorted decors and colorful candies)If white chocolate mortar stiffens up, reheat slightly and stir or knead until smooth again. http://www.funroom.com/holiday/gramhse.html SANTA CUPCAKES
These cupcakes are so cute and Christmasy, Santa Clause faces. Fun to make, yummy too.
16 oz pkg poundcake mix 3/4 cup water 2 large eggs 16 oz tub white frosting Pink food color 18 red fruit slice candies (Hat) 2 cans white decorating icing with star and writing tips 9 mini marshmallows (Hat Tassels) 36 brown mini M&M's (Eyes)9 pink jelly beans, halved (Noses)1 roll Fruit Streamers strawberry fruit snacks (Mouth)Heat oven to 350 degrees. 18 lined muffin cups. Prepare cake mix as package directs, using water and eggs. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake 20 min. or until done. Tint frosting pink, spread on cupcakes. Add fruit slice candies for hats. With writing tip, pipe a squiggly hatband and attach marshmallow halves, cut sides down, for tassels.Add M&M's for eyes, then pipe on eye highlights. With star tip, pipe on hair, beards and mustaches. Add jelly bean noses. Peel red strands from Fruit Streamers, cut 36 (1") strands. For each mouth, pinch together 2 strands into a smile. Trim excess, place on cupcakes. MAKES 18 CUPCAKES.*
Marshmellow Snowmen - These look pretty easy. They don't have instructions. This is the link with the picture. http://www.ronnissw%20eettooth.%20com/images/%20lotsosnomen.%20jpg
POPCORN SNOWMEN3 c. mini marshmallows 3 tbsp. butter 6 c. freshly popped, plain popcorn. Decorations such as raisins, gumdrops, pieces of dried fruitIn a large pot, over low heat, melt marshmallows and 3 tablespoons of butter, stirring constantly until marshmallows are gooey. Remove from heat. Stir in the popped popcorn a little bit at a time. Let the pot cool for at least a minute. Rub some butter on your hands. Then, scoop out a handful of the mixture and make one ball for the body and one for the head. Use decorations to make eyes, nose, mouth. Is you make his body about the size of a tennis ball, this recipe makes about 7 snowmen. http://www.popcorn.org/nutrition/Recipes/rprsnowman.cfm

12 Days of Christmas for the Children in Your Life

2011-12-05T17:08:00.002-08:00

1 - Get a manger scene with 12 pieces. If you live near sneak one piece a day to your grandchildren with a bible verse attached. If you live far away, mail all twelve pieces, wrapped with the instructions to open one each day.

2 - Fill a sack with Christmas stories and an object that matches each story. Seal in individual sacks to be opened one at a time each day during the 12 days before Christmas.

3 - Send an e-mail with a fun story or recipe or activity to all your grandchildren.

4 - If you have enough free time, do an act of service each day for someone 12 days before Christmas. Can be one person or 12 diffferent ones. A few ideas: Make cookies and share with someone. Share a story with someone. Shovel the walk for someone if health permits.

5 - Make or purchase 12 ornaments, to be hung on their tree each day starting 12 days before Christmas.Link of Ideas for 12 Days of Christmas to do with Grandchildrenhttp://pie.midco.net/grammalowe/12days.html

Here are some silly Christmas Jokes and Songs to use in your 12 Days of Christmas Projects:Carols and JokesName That Carol!

The following words are alternate titles for several well-known Christmas Carols. If you get 100% correct, you will be assured a full Christmas stocking!Have fun!!

Quadruped with crimson proboscis___ _________ ___

5 p.m. to 6 a.m. without noise_______ _________ ___

Miniscule hamlet in the far east ____________ ______

Ancient benevolent despot ____________ _________ _

Adorn the vestibule ____________ _________ ______

Exuberance directed to the planet ____________ ____

Listen, aerial spirits harmonizin _________________

Monarchial trio ____________ ___________________

Yonder in the haystack ____________ _________ ____

Assemble, everyone who believes ____________ _____

Hallowed post meridian ____________ _________ ____

Fantasies of a colorless December 25th ____________ _

Tin tintinnabulums ____________ _________ _______

A dozen 24-hour yule periods ____________ ________

Befell during the transparent bewitching hour ______

Homo sapien of crystallized vapor ____________ ____

I merely desire a pair of incisors ____________ ______

I spied my maternal parent osculating a fat man in red__

Perambulating through a December solstice fantasy ____

Aloft on the acme of the abode ____________ _________

Quadruped with crimson proboscis —Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

5 p.m. to 6 a.m. without noise — Silent Night

Miniscule hamlet in the far east — O Little Town of Bethlehem

Ancient benevolent despot — Good King Wenceslas (or some believe in Jolly Old St. Nicholas)Adorn the vestibule —Deck the Halls

Exuberance directed to the planet — Joy to the World

Listen, aerial spirits harmonizing — Hark the Herald Angels

SingMonarchial trio — We Three KingsY

onder in the haystack — Away in a Manger

Assemble, everyone who believes — Come All Ye Faithful

Hallowed post meridian — O Holy Night

Fantasies of a colorless December 25th — I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

Tin tintinnabulums — Silver Bells

A dozen 24-hour Yule periods — The Twelve Days of Christmas

Befell during the transparent bewitching hour — It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Homo sapien of crystallized vapor — Frosty the Snowman

I merely desire a pair of incisors — All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

I spied my maternal parent osculating a fat man in red — I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus

Perambulating through a December solstice fantasy — Walking Through a Winter Wonderland

Aloft on the acme of the abode — Up on the Rooftop

Results:

15 – 20 Correct — You don’t need any Yuletide spirit!

10 – 14 Correct — You could use something in your stocking!

5 – 9 Correct — Are you sure you have the right holiday?

1 – 4 Correct — Surely you jest!?!

Silly Chirstmas Jokes for your Family Parites or Anytime~

What’s white and goes up?A confused snowflake!

What do you call an old snowman?Water!

What do you sing at a snowman’s birthday party?Freeze a jolly good fellow

What goes: now you see me, now you don’t, now you see me, now you don’t?A snowman on a zebra crossing!

What goes ho-ho whoosh, ho-ho whoosh?Santa caught in a revolving door!

What goes “oh, oh, oh”?Santa walking backwards!Knock knock!

Who’s there?Snow.Snow who?Snow use – I’ve forgotten my name again!

Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can ho ho ho!

When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving? In the dictionary!

What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet? The Christmas one has no L (noel)!

What do you have in December that’s not in any other month?The letter D!

Why is it always cold at Christmas?Because it’s inDecemberrrr!

What Christmas carol is a favorite of parents?Silent Night!

What’s impossible to overtake at Christmas?The three wide men!

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? A mince spy!

How does a snowman lose weight? He waits for the weather to get warmer!

What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted flakes!

What did one snowman say to the other snowman? Can you smell carrot?

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?Frostbite!

Where do snowmen go to dance? A snow ball!

How many presents can Santa fit in an empty sack? Only one, after that it’s not empty any more!

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinselitus!

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?D eep and crisp and even!

What carol is heard in the dessert? Camel ye fathful!

What do monkeys sing at Christmas? Jungle bells, jungle bells!

What does a cat on the beach have in common with Christmas? Sandy claws!

What is Santa’s dog called? Santa Paws!

Who delivers presents to baby sharks at Christmas? Santa Jaws!

What do you get if you cross Santa Claus with a detective?Santa Clues!

What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when the fire is lit? Crisp Cringle!

What do you call Santa Claus when he doesn’t move? Santa Pause!

How do sheep greet each other at Christmas? A merry Christmas to ewe!

What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A pineapple!

What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle? Neither, candles always burn shorter!

Why are turkeys wiser than chickens? Ever heard of Kentucky Fried Turkey?

What happened to the man who shoplifted a calendar at Christmas? He got 12 months!

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?Claustrophobic!

Why are Christmas trees like bad knitters? They both drop needles!

What often falls at the North Pole but never gets hurt? Snow!

What is the best Christmas present in the world? A broken drum – you can’t beat it!

2011-12-05T17:08:00.001-08:00

This is an excerpt from my book "Buckets of Ideas for Grandparents." These ideas can be used for any of the children in your life.
Service Opportunities During the HolidaysIt is Christmas! That magical time of year that brings thoughts of gifts and the visit from Santa. The tradition of giving gifts originates with the Three Wiseman who came from the East to visit the baby Jesus and bring him presents. Christmas can be a wonderful time to teach your grandchildren about serving and loving others. Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm how you and your family can do this.Community
Meals on Wheels - Make little favors to go on the trays that are delivered to the people in your community.Angel Tree’s – These are set up at various locations and have angle ornaments on them that list the needs of others in the community with instructions of where to return them.Salvation Army – This organization helps whole families. You can contact them about sponsoring a family for Christmas.Salvation Army Bell Ringer – You can contribute to their ringing pots.Food Bank – Your local food bank is always looking of donations whether they are small or large.Community - Your community has various events that help to gather money or needed supplies for those in need. There will be advertisements on your local paper as well. Be on the watch to know how you and your grandchildren can help this together.Nursing Home - Call a local nursing or retirement home to find a need, to read or spend other time with the residents.Service Men – Write letters to service men and women.Soup Kitchen – Serve at a soup kitchen for an afternoon or evening.Go Caroling - Deliver goodies to neighbors as you go caroling. Nursing homes also welcome carolers to their halls. If you have performable talents you couls present a program for the residents.
Neighborhood12 Days of Christmas – Choose a family in your neighborhood and deliver a gift everyday, 12 days before Christmas anonymously. Gifts can be goodies, a story, poem, Christmas Ornament, etc.Shovel Walks – After a snowstorm shovel a neighbors walk who needs itDeliver Good Plates – Take your grandchildren with you to deliver things to your friends and neighbors.Talk to your local clergy – They always know someone in need for the holidays.Do a Christmas morning service before opening gifts.FamilyDo any of the above for your family members. Let your grandchildren help you as you do these thingsHave a family party hosted by you and your grandchildren. The other adults are the guests!Have a wonderful Holiday Season this year by sharing with others and teaching your children and grandchildren the wonderful art of giving!

Gingerbread Houses!

2011-12-05T17:06:00.001-08:00

We had our annual gingerbread day this week at our house. Everyone loves this activity!
Thes actually started when our children were small. We tried real gingerbread, but their little hands had a hard time being really careful and the gingerbread broke. We decided to use graham crackers and have nmade villages for years. Sugar cones make great tree's covered with green frosting and red hots. Life savers are great wreaths. Glass sucker recipe makes a great pond, so many fun things to do with this! We also have made trains to go with our village.
I went to the dollar store and bought graham crackers, powdered sugar and lots of finger candy.
We opened the table up as far as it would go, put all the different candy in their own bowls, gave everyone a bowl of royal icing and a kitchen knife and the decorating began!
Everyone made a house of some kind. Some were cottages and others were huge! Then we put them all together in a village and they are displaying proudly on the shelf in our family area. I love our gingerbread village.

Great instructions for a train are here:

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/feature/ff1106-gingerbread-train/ff1106-gingerbread-train2.html

Treat Table

2011-12-05T17:05:00.001-08:00

One of our favorite things to do during the holidays is make the "Treat Table." I am sorry to say I can't find a picture of it! I had no idea I didn't have one!
Our treat table was created when our cupboards weren't big enough to hold all the goodies we made plus what other people shared with us. So we started out with a small table and it has grown into 2 card tables. We have special Christmas dishes that are reserved just for this table. Some are dishes the kids have made, others are dishes that are Christmas dishes that were grandmother's. We put books under the table cloth to give a varied height so it is easier to find things.
All through the years the kids friends were in and out and now they stop by at Christmas time to sample the treat table. It is great!

Nutmeg Jim

2011-12-05T17:02:00.002-08:00

I just shared this on a list I am on and thought I would post it here. It is such a fun thing to do.We have a little elf named "Nutmeg Jim"He comes every Thanksgiving night and stays until Christmas Eve when he hops back in Santa"s sleigh. He is a little stuffed elf I made.
Everyone loves Nutmeg Jim at our house, he leaves sugar cereal occasionally, which I NEVER buy. He leaves a new Christmas movie every year. He leaves little notes that tells that recipient they are wonderful. He usually leaves a package of Oreo's which I never buy either--so it is a fun treat. Everything is random, his job is to report back to Santa and tell him how things are going here. One year when we were having children fighting issues, he brought a new friend with him. His name is "tattle tale mouse." He is a little mouse ornament that hangs on the tree and tells Nutmeg Jim if there are problems.

Cookie and Candy Bash

2011-12-05T17:02:00.001-08:00

Several days before Christmas, we have a baking/candy making day.
When the kids were little I would cook and everyone wanted to help so we started out at 9:00 a.m. and cooked all day. The kids would sometimes fight and so I started scheduling them for 1-2 hour blocks. They were responsible to choose a cookie and a candy recipe to make one on one with me. Always a fun and productive day.
Now they are grown, we schedule a day to bake and a day to make candy. Each family chooses 2-3 cooies. It is at our home and I provide all the flour, sugar, etc. They bring any ingredients that are unique to their cookies. We bake all day.
This year we are making cookies today and candy on Monday. I will post pictures as soon as I have them.

Sweedish Rosettes

2011-12-05T17:00:00.002-08:00

We love to make sweedish rosettes to share with our neighbors. It is an old family favorite. We actually served them at our wedding. We make lots of plates and then deliver them with caroling.

Here is the recipe:
Swedish Rosettes
Ingredients - 1 cup flour, sifted 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 cup milk 2 eggs, slightly beaten, 1 tsp lemon flavoring, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, oil for frying, powdered sugarPreparation - Combine sifted flour, salt and sugar; add milk, beaten egg and vegetable oil. Beat until smooth; allow to stand for 1 hour to allow air to escape. Deep-fry in hot oil, using rosette iron or timbale case iron; drain on paper toweling. Dust warm rosettes with powdered sugar
Yield: 2 dozen
Notes -To Fry Rosettes: Heat rosette iron in a large kettle with enough oil to cover iron well. Iron is ready when oil temperature registers 365°. Drain oil from iron, blot iron slightly with paper toweling and dip into batter to within 1/4 inch of top. (Do not cover top of iron.) Carefully lift out iron, drain quickly and lower into oil. Fry until rosette is crisp and brown. Carefully lift iron from oil; turn upside down to drain. Quickly remove rosette from iron; cool. Return iron to batter without dipping into oil unless it needs reheating. Iron is too cold if mixture does not cling to iron when dipped into batter. An iron which is too hot will cause rosette to spread and drop from iron when cooked; if Rosettes are soft and thick rather than thin and crisp, batter is too thick and should be thinned slightly with milk.

White Stocking

2011-12-05T17:00:00.001-08:00

On Christmas Eve we have a White Stocking that we put a note of the gift we wish to give Jesus in the coming year. It is always so interesting to pull out the one we wrote the year before and see what our gift was and how we were able to do it. It is a wonderful thing to do as a family.

Christmas Morning Service Project

2011-12-05T16:59:00.003-08:00

Every Christmas Morning we do a service project for someone before we open our gifts. This year we went through our neighborhood and shoveled walks for those out of town or not able to do it themselves. It is a wonderful way to start our Christmas morning. When we come home we eat and open our gifts. When the kids were little we did this to help them focus more on Jesus and all He has done for us, As the years have gone by it has become a treasured tradition. As our family is growing we can really accomplish alot of great things!

New Year Games

2011-12-05T16:59:00.001-08:00

See http://bucketsofnewyearsideas.blogspot.com/ for all kinds of New Years Eve Games for home with children or adults.

Celebrating New Years with Children

2011-12-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

We have been married 34 years. Our oldest is 31 years old, (Not sure how that happened! I still feel 31!!!) When she was about three and her sister one, we started having New Years Eve parties with our children. I have to be honest when they were really little I went around the house and set ahead the clocks so they wouldn't be up so late. As time went by they became teenagers. (5 kids oldest 10 years older than youngest) Our party was tradition and they invited friends to it. We had waffles at midnight with ice cream and all kinds of toppings.We started doing this when they were young for the sole purpose of them being home on New Years when they were teen agers and it worked. Sometimes they did go to dances but they were home before midnight so we could all have our waffle breakfast, play games and watch a movie. (We do sleep in!) Now that we have grandchildren, they still spend New Years Eve at our house. It was worth it and has because a wonderful party looked forward to all through the holidays.
Happy New Year!
****************************
I found this article and wanted to share it because it really explains things well.
How to Celebrate New Year's Eve With Your Childrenby eHow Holidays & Celebrations EditorIntroductionThrow a party and celebrate with your kids, letting them stay up until the new year dawns.InstructionsDifficulty: Moderately EasySteps

1 Help your kids decorate a room in your house. Hang streamers, scatter confetti and set out party hats and noisemakers.

2 Bake a cake.

3 Dress up in party clothes.

4 Prepare the kids' favorite dinner and eat the cake for desert. Put candles on the cake and blow them out in recognition of the birthday of a new year.

5 Teach the kids the words to "Auld Lang Syne," and sing other songs with them as well.

6 Explain the concept of New Year's resolutions to your children. Ask them if there is anything they would like to accomplish in the next year.

7 Lay out sleeping bags in the living room. Read stories out loud and play board games late into the evening.

8 Toast the New Year at midnight (if your kids are still awake) with sparkling fruit cider.

Tips & WarningsIf your kid doesn't have a favorite meal, make spaghetti with tomato sauce and serve salad on the side. This is generally a kid-pleasing meal.Overall Things You'll NeedConfettis Streamers Party Hats Pillows Cake Mix Spaghetti Noodles Spaghetti Sauces Cake Pans Noisemakers Sleeping Bags Streamers

Happy New Years and Time Capsule

2011-12-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

Come on over to our house for our New Years Day Pajama Party.
We play games and eat after sleeping in from our slumber party the night before!
Bruch is served about 11:00!
We make our annual time capsule with our children and grandchildren.
Each person puts a small item in it that they want to save and a list of what they think cars, houses, clothes etc will be like. We put a pix in of the group that we take with a digital camera and print off right there from the computer. Each person also writes on this list a little about what they are doing right now. Label the can with the year, decorate it and seal it up!
Come and join us!

Ground Hogs Day!

2011-12-05T16:55:00.001-08:00

Happy Groundhog Day!Groundhog Day CupcakeBaked cupcakeAlmond Joy candyWhite frostingWhite jelly beansBlack decorators' gelWatermelon slice candyBrown M&M's MinisChocolate cookieStep 1 Remove a piece of cake the width of an Almond Joy candy from the center of a baked cupcake. Set the candy upright in the hole, then spread a layer of white frosting on the cupcake. Step 2 For the groundhog's eyes, trim the ends from a white jelly bean, stick them in place with frosting, then dot them with black decorators' gel. Add a tiny triangle cut from a watermelon slice candy for a nose, brown M&M's Minis for ears and cheeks, and a tiny rectangular piece of white jelly bean for teeth. Sprinkle chocolate cookie crumbs around the partially emerged groundhog, and he's ready to greet his fans.2009 © FamilyFun
GROUND HOG ACTIVITIESJust a couple of ideas for you:We always eat "ground food" and eat on the "ground."We watch for "Phil" the ground hog to see what he is doing to do.Play ground hog bingo, and adapt other games to be "Ground Hoggy" it is always a fun, kind of pick me up day in the winter.

Valentines Fun

2011-12-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

I love Valentines Day. Such a fun day to tell everyone you love that you love them! I am looking for some new project ideas, here are some I have found, I will add more as I find them that I can do with my darling boy Wyatt. To see the things I found in addition to the cupids arrow below, visitbuckets of Valentine's Day Ideas

Cupid's ArrowSupplies Needed:
One roll of Wild Cherry Livesavers Candy 6 inch bamboo skewer 1 - 1 1/2 inch wooden heart Drill with a small drill bit Piece of red foil paper approximately 1 1/2 inches long and 5 inches wide. Transparent tape Scissors Craft glue Red paint and paintbrushDirections:Drill a small hole in the heart's indentation. Paint the heart red and set it aside to dry. Fringe the foil paper by cutting narrow strips along the width, about 1 inch deep. Apply a small amount of the transparent tape to one end of the uncut portion of foil paper. Attach tape to blunt end of skewer. Twist foil paper around skewer and fasten with another piece of tape to form the arrow feather.Finishing: Poke pointed end of bamboo skewer through center of candy roll, apply dot of glue to tip of skewer and secure into hole in painted heart.http://www.familycorner.com/homegarden/crafts/cupidsarrow.shtml

Beach Party

2011-12-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

Next Monday night (January) we are having our annual Family Beach Party.
When the kids were little they got really restless about the end of January. It is Idaho and very cold so we started our family Beach Party.
"Have a beach picnic with all the trimmings. We cook hotdogs in the fireplace, play games and end with a summer movie. A few suggestions are Boatniks, Glass Bottom Boat, Sing Along Beach Party with Mickey Mouse, or Disney's Back to the Beach.
Turn up the heat and ask everyone to wear shorts, flip flops, and sunglasses, eat on a blanket on the floor and have a great time!"
Excerpt from my book - see side bar for details.

Easter!

2011-12-05T16:47:00.001-08:00

What a bright, fun time of year. So many wonderful things to do and see.

EASTER EGG COLORING DAY
Like most of you we have an Easter Egg coloring party

Here are a few websites with some fun and unique ideas to spice it up if you want to add some new things:
Natural Dyes - We have tried this and it is great!http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/000410h.cfm
All kinds of ideas:http://nanaellen.com/village/easter/egg.htm
Misc Decor ideas
http://freestuff4kids.net/2008/03/06/13-creative-ways-to-dye-and-decorate-easter-eggs/
Natural Decor Ideas
http://freestuff4kids.net/2008/03/06/13-creative-ways-to-dye-and-decorate-easter-eggs/
For More Easter Ideas visit:
Buckets of Spring and Easter Ideas
You will find things like this:
EASTER SMORES

EASTER BASKETS TO MAKE

2011-12-05T16:45:00.001-08:00

We live in Idaho and we have very short summers. The weather is finally nice so I am in the garden. I will post a few activity ideas over the summer. I just planted a fairy garden with one of my darling grandson's. The details are at http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/2009/04/finally-spring-is-in-idaho.htmlCome on over and join me!

2011-12-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

I have a grandchildren's garden and in it are all kinds of (edible) flowers, little toys, fairy garden etc. More details in my book - see info on the side bar.) I have made stepping stones with each grandchild that go in that garden.
This is a picture of one of them:

For more stepping stone ideas see my garden blog at: http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/2009/05/stepping-stones-yard-art-blooming.htm
Here are a few links for more ideas:
All kinds of stepping stones –http://familycrafts.about.com/od/steppingstones/ig/Garden-Stepping-Stone-Photos/

How To Make Stepping Stoneshttp://familycrafts.about.com/cs/steppingstones/a/040201c.htm

Blogs with Stepping Stone Ideashttp://craftygardener.blogspot.com/2008/04/stepping-stones.html

Michael’s Stepping Stones Ideashttp://www.michaels.com/art/online/search?pageNumber=1&channel=0&search=yes&type=0&searchWords=stepping+stones&as_fid=1&x=15&y=11

Grandma Sign - Great Gift Idea!

2011-12-05T16:42:00.001-08:00

We made this adorable sign for my husband's mother for Mother's Day. It is a picture of all of our grandchildren - her great grandchildren. My mom died in 1993 - so sadly I couldn't make one for her - she would have loved it! I saw one done on Aleesha's blog that said "MOM" and was so excited to have such a fun gift idea for Mother's Day - http://ready-set-create.blogspot.com/2010/04/mothers-day-is-right-around-corner.html Thanks Aleesha!

Reasons Why WE Love You! Birthday Fun!

2011-12-05T16:41:00.001-08:00

Every birthday we do a list of reasons why we love the person who's birthday we are celebrating. It started when our children were little and started out as however many years they were old - that number of reasons. The reasons have been put on posters, put on papers that led a trail into the house or their bedroom etc. It has become a highlight on everyone's b-day.
A couple of years ago after we had 3 weddings in one year I thought maybe it was time to stop the reasons - let their spouses take care of B-day's. It was a big mistake - EVERYONE rebeled. They siad they would rather have the reasons than have gifts, so it continues.
It is a wonderful thing for everyone to hear why their siblings love each other. This year I made them into posters with a family pix so everyone can put them in their office, den or craft room area to see all year long.

Grandchildren Garden and Play Yard

2011-12-05T16:40:00.001-08:00

Over on my gardening blog are pictures and information about my grandchildren's garden. When you have a minute I would love for you to drop by.http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-grandchildrens-garden-and-stepping.html

Christmas 2011

2011-12-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Busy time of year~! I love Christmas - I post my Christmas happenings for the most part on my Christmas Blog - http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/ Would love to have you join me over in my Christmas blogging room.

Today I have been canning tomatoes. I need room in my freezer for holiday cooking and pulled them all out to make speghetti sauce. I had two bushels of tomatoes stuffed in the freezer - no wonder I didn't have any room! The recipe I am using is from the Ball Canning Book. It looks lovely!

I am going to decorate the Ancestor tree later tonight for FHE - I am pretty excited to do it.
Signing off for today! Paula

Project #33 - Harvesting

2010-09-28T17:35:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the things I have harvested so far - I will add more pictures as we fill up the buckets!

Project #32 - My Fall Bucket List

2010-09-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

My Fall Bucket List

I love this idea that is on this website. 40 Fun Ideas for Your Fall Bucket List

Here is my Bucket List for Fall

(I have copied quite a few of her's because they are great ideas!)

1. Take time to witness the leaves turning brilliant colors -notice the golds, russets, and browns. (Apparently this activity is called leaf peeping.)

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~Albert Camus

2. Jump into a pile of freshly-raked leaves.

3. Go for a walk and take in the clean, crisp autumn air.

4. Wear a funky hat. Chase it when the wind blows it off your head.

5. Enjoy the sound of leaves crinkling and crackling underneath your shoes.

6. Make caramel apples.

DONE -7. Decorate my house for fall

8. Collect golden autumn leaves and use them to decorate your dinner table, windowsills, or any other surface you choose.

DONE 9 - Buy some autumn lights and string them with garland around my windows.

DONE 10 - Make a fall cloche

DONE 11 - Be a part of the fall party blog carnivals

12. Go to your nearest apple orchard and look for the best apples to take home. (This will be in my own yard!!!)

13. Bake an apple pie–with a flaky, light, delicious crust–from scratch.

14. Get a large tub of water, fill it with apples, gather a fun group of people, and go bobbing for apples.

15. Build a bonfire and roast marshmallows. Make S’mores.

16. Select your favorite park, arboretum, or nature preserve and go on an autumn hike.
“It was one of those perfect English autumn days which occur more frequently in memory than in life.” ~ P.D. James.

17. Go on a hayride. Choose between horse and buggy or a truck-driven hayride.

18. Visit a pumpkin patch and choose several pumpkins to take home.

19. Make pumpkin cupcakes.

20. Roast pumpkin seeds.

21. Carve your own Jack-0-Lantern.

22. Attend a Fall Festival.

DONE 23. Make a Fall Wreath and hang it from your front door.

24. Enjoy some apple cider. Get yourself a warm mug of cider and sit out on the porch or balcony when it’s cool out.

25. Get some nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, and cloves, and make Fall potpourri. Add pine cones, twigs, and dried flowers.

26. Smear peanut butter over a plain unpainted pine cone and roll it in bird seeds. Hang it in a tree with a bit of yarn and watch to see what birds it attracts.

DONE 27 - Decorate my front porch for fall and halloween

28. Decorate your home for Halloween.

29. Organize a Halloween party.

30. Go trick-or-treating.

31. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

32 - Gather seeds from garden for next spring

33. Listen to your favorite Halloween songs:

34. Get a big bag of fresh Brach candy corn - make some treat bags and give them away .

35 - Make 13 days before Halloween for our grandsons

36. Make a scarecrow (here’s a good tutorial).

37 - Dress up for Halloween

38. Have a Fall movie night marathon.

39. Set an elegant harvest table of Thanksgiving. Make a classic Thanksgiving meal. Remember to go around the table and have each person give thanks for at least one blessing they’ve received this year.

40 - Do an act of "giving" daily for the month of November

Project #31 - Fall!

2010-09-27T16:30:00.001-07:00

Please stop by my Fall blog to see all I have been doing this Fall.

http://bucketsofideasforfall.blogspot.com/

Project #30 - Collecting Ideas for Future Fun for My Family

2010-09-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

I decided to have a post that I can collect fun ideas for my familyand realized that is a project!Here is my first one - this post will have things added from time to time.

~~~~~~~~~~

Frisbee Golf

We have a Frisbee Golf Course here in town and it is fun. I never thought about doing that for my family - silly me! Here is a tutorial about getting your own frisbee golf game set up. Love it!

Tutorial over at My Computer is My Canvas

I have to share this!

2010-09-05T19:28:00.001-07:00

Amazing Gracy like you have never heard before!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYMLMj-SibU

Project #29 - Decorating for Fall

2010-09-03T06:37:00.001-07:00

Fall decorating on my Fall Blog - http://bucketsofideasforfall.blogspot.com/

Project #28 - Quilted Christmas Balls

2010-09-03T06:36:00.004-07:00

Love these balls and I actually made them! WOO HOO For more info see http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/

Project #27 - Americana Room

2010-09-03T06:36:00.003-07:00

Over the years this room has been a bedroom, a TV room, a play room, and now it is the guest room. When I painted it, in the closet I saw several of the colors it has been.

I made a goal to not spend more than$100.00 on this red0. I spent $25.00 on paint, $50.00 on ebay for the bedspread. My friend gave me the headboard and my husbands parents were getting rid of some mattresses. I have all kinds of Americana Decor, war medals, flag from my dad's funeral etc. I already had the curtains in another room. My daughter had given me the wall quilt for my b-day several years ago.

It all came together and looks awesome. I am going to buy some burgandy spray paint to spray the desk. It should be about $3.50

I found some burgandy paint this past week in my basement so now I can paint this dresser.

Total cost - because I was determined to use what I already have is about $80.00.

Project #26 - Altered Christmas Book

2010-09-03T06:36:00.001-07:00

This is a project in progress that will take me a while to complete. It is an altered Christmas Book. You can scroll through the posts on my Christmas Blog to see the progress. http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/

Project #25 - Two New Granddaughters

2010-08-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

We have two daughters that just had babies in the past few weeks - it has been a busy time - this is my best project ever! Before they were born we had 5 grandsons - now we have 7 grandchildren.
The Seven from Heaven! The Super Seven! The Special Seven! WOO HOO 6 of them are under 2 and when we get together it sounds like a lot of babies! In three years we have gone from 9 in our family to 18 - I am still trying to figure out how to manage all of this.
What great blessings we have.

Project #24 ---->My First Cloche

2010-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see the "Cloche Party" today.

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-cloche-party.html

I haven't ever done cloches before. I can't wait to start playing with them.

This glass doll is one that my parents gave me when I was a teen-ager and she is the perfect compliment.

....I am excited to see everyone else's and get some ideas of how to do these!

I need to keep my eye out for these at garage sales.

Thanks everyone for sharing and being patient with my first attempt.

Project # 23 - 77 to go! I cleaned my herb garden today! WOO HOO

2010-05-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

My main projects in the summer are my gardens - I have several theme gardens.

My next few projects I am going to highlight my gardens.

This is the first one - My cullinary herb garden. This is about 20 feet from the ktichen door so it is easy to access. (My medicnal herbs are much bigger and take up more room so they are in another locaion.)

Plant marker for my herbs (from Marth Stewart - you can see more marker ideas on my gardening blog.

You can see my gardening blog here for much more detail!

Thanks for stopping by!

Project # 22 - 78 To Go Making Bread

2010-05-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Favorite Things Friday - be sure and visit all the other great blogs with so many FUN and CREATIVE ideas

http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/

I love to make bread - I just put all the instructions on my preparedness blog - this is the best and easiest bread recipe! Click here for Bread Recipe to make with or without a mixer.

Project #21 - 79 To Go! -------------------> Grandma Sign for Mother's Day

2010-05-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

We made this fun "Grandma"sign for my husbands mom for Mother's Day - all the details are at: http://bucketideasforgrandmas.blogspot.com/2010/05/grandma-sign-for-mothers-day.html

Also linking to Favorite Things Friday at http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/

and Show and Tell Friday ww.romantichome.blogspot.com/ lots of fun and creative projects

Project #20 - 80 To Go - Tablescape Thursday

2010-05-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hooking up today with Tablescape Thursday - click on this link to see all the other participants - there are some great tables today! http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

*********************

I have really loved doing tablescapes for my family for Sunday dinner. These plates are some our daughter gave me when she was cleaning out her mother-in-laws garage several years ago. I haven't used them for a while & they were fun to work with.
I am trying really hard to be frugal and when I do these tablescapes, my goal is to use what I already have in the house, no purchases unless I find a great bargain at a yard sale. They haven't started yet in our area so I am using whatever resources I already have.
**************
This is the entire table. since we served the food on the table for this meal I left area's around the centerpiece for the food.

This is each individual person's plate. I had little hearts with everyone's name from a b-day calendar I made that I am not using anymore. I tied them into ribbon/napkin and silverware. They made a great place card.
This is the centerpiece from overhead. It is a spring wreath that a friend (Sussi) gave me with an oversized candle inside.
This is a picture of the place settings and centepiece from the side. We put the placemats on the table crooked to allow more dishes to fit on the table. It is a fun way to extend room.

Thanks for lettng me share - have a great week!

Project #19 - 81 To Go! - Show and Tell Friday and Pink Saturday

2010-04-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

I made a wreath for my door! I love it. I watched a "How To Video" on Creations from My Heart l I used to make wreaths and it has been such a long time, when I saw this video I have been so anxious to do it and today I did!

These are the supplies I used:
24" grapvine wreath, block of floral styro, moss, green pipe cleaners, hot glue, 2 bunches hydrageas, one rose bush, 2 butterfly bushes, one ivy garland, greenery bits and pieces, and 3 inch pink wire ribbom for the bow.

Next step, cut the styro into blocks and pipe cleaner and hot glue them on - these add great dimension. (Love this idea - really makes a big difference.)

Next step - you can cut ivy up and add one at a time or wrap your wreath with a garland, I wrapped mine with a garland. Then I added the main event flowers, then filled in with the next size, then the filler.

This is my finished wreath! I can see it needs another filler flower. I have to wait until next week when our local craft store gets more flowers to do that with. It really looks nice on my front door, the entry area is clean and it is all ready to go for spring/summer! One of my goals for a long time accomplished!

Be sure and check out all the other Show and Tell Friday bloggers at My Romantic Home and Pink Saturday bloggers at: http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Project #18 - 82 To Go

2010-04-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Reading.....

I have been so caught up in living, that I think I forget how to live. Our darling daughter #3 found this book and I wanted to share it because it truly teaches you that very thing. It is called Living Out Loud" by Keri Smith. It is a fun book and helps one get back on the road to living!!!

Project #17 - 83 To Go

2010-04-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

SUPER DUPER DEEP CLEANING

It has been so unsettled weatherwise and I have been working in one day and out another depending on the temps and wind. Inside I have been doing super deep cleaning. I have been doing the Mount Vernon method. I started at the front door and have worked my way around the house room by room, deep cleaning, dejunking, vacuming, etc. I really want to repaint etc., but I am not doing that until my house is clean! That will be my reward. The only places left are one wall of the long term food storage room and one wall of the library. I should have it completed by the time the weather has settled and I can spend my time outdoors. The next priority is the yard gets an overhaul and deep clean. I am making up for 30 years of doing everything else and my house has been neglected.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have a plethora of dishes, but never able to use them because they have been hard to get to etc. After reading about our host on "Between Naps on the Front Porch" I looked around, found an underused storage closet and cleaned it out! I put an unused shelf in there and put all my dishes in that closet. It is close to the kitchen, easy to get to and easy to put away. These are the dishes I use throughout the year. The season dishes are still packed with the seasonal items, but now I can mix and match and use them - WOO HOO! I love to tablescape and now I can do it more!

Here is a picture of my closet before:Cleaned out with the shelf added:

Perfect spot to hang tablecoths, a shelf for placemats. IT is amazing how much you can store in one closet! I want to get baskets to replace the boxes but other than that it is finised.

Project #16 - 84 To Go - Get in Better Health

2010-04-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

My project to do this summer is to get my health back. I haven't felt well for a while. I have been diagnosed with Adrenal Exhaustion. I actually think alot of women have this in varying degree's because we dont' take very good care of ourselves. Here is a link to read more about it: http://www.womentowomen.com/programs/adrenalhealth/howitworks_portal.aspx (I am not connected in anyway to this website - it has just helped me so much I want others to see it too.)

Today I rode my bike***! The first time since last year. I wasn't able to ride very much last summer because of a shoulder injury. I am ready to ride every day this spring/summer and fall season. We started out today at 1 mile. It is pretty windy so it felt like 3 times that far! But it was glorious to be outside and feel the breeze and breath the fresh spring air. Yes, that is snow almost gone in the background.
***This was my dad's bike. It is 30 years old and a classic and I love it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Project #15 - 85 To Go! - Tablescape Thursday and Pink Saturday

2010-04-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Our Easter table is celebrating our Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is not here: for he is risen.......

Matt. 28:6

You probably noticed that there are more plates on one side than the other. We have two darling little boys who will sit on this side and high chairs in the corner on the other side - we are so blessed! There are numerous little spring nik-naks that were my mother's and grandmother's. I love adding things like this to our holiday celebrations. This is a close up picture of the adults plates. The white dinner plate are the dishes we received for our wedding . The smaller pink plate is my Great Grandma on my mom's side. The apple dish with the m-m's were my paternal grandmothers. These are the little boys plates. They are much smaller. The white plate - our wedding dishes and the flower plate in the middle my maternal grandmother's.
This lamb was given to me by my parents when I was baptized.

The doll in the background was my mom's.

I have not done a tablescape for a very long time. This was so much fun to do! I just boxed it all up and ready for Sunday Dinner, napkins folded, dishes washed, I must do this again! I feel so domestic and organized! WOO HOO

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Be sure and visit other Tablescap Thursday Participants at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Other Pink Saturday bloggers can be found at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Project #14 - 86 To Go

2010-03-31T16:42:00.001-07:00

I don't care who you are, this is adorable!

I made this bunny light with stuff I had around the house. All the instructions are on my Easter Blog at http://www.bucketsofspringideas.blogspot.com/

A BIG thanks to Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday - be sure and stop by Pink Saturday to see all the other participants - this should be a fun week celebrating Easter.

Project #13 - 87 To Go

2010-03-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

I realized that I spend a lot of time on my little boys. We have 4 daughters and one son. Our grandchildren are all little boys - what a switch for our family! In the past 2 1/2 years we have gone from 9 in our family to 16. This summer we will be at 18 - double our number in 3 years. WOW!!!
I had all my little boys around me and was overwelmed by the responsiblity of being a grandmother. I feel that a grandparent has the most influence on a child's life after the parents. I feel that responsiblity mightily.

~*~*~*~*~

Here is my husband and I with our "Fabulous Five"

#12 Project - 88 To Go

2010-03-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

One of my projects this week has been to figure out composting. I have tried composting several times in the past and it hasn't worked very well. I finally have figured it out - not sure why it has been so hard to get my head around this. I found the pallets I need to make the bins. This week we will be assembling them. (WE MADE THE BINS _ SEE PICTRE ABOVE _ WOO HOO!) It is snowing right now but supposed to be nice later in the week. I have the full instructions for this on my gardening blog - you can look at them there. Project Accomplished! I understand composting now! WOO HOO http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/

#11 Project - 89 To Go

2010-03-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

I cleaned out my first flower bed today - it was 39* outside and sunny - so warm and so nice, I didn't even wear a coat. It was glorious! This is a picture of our back yard - you can see the snow is melting. The garden area I cleaned out is the one next to the house.

This is my cutting garden, it is beatiful in the summer. Flowers are blooming all through the season. Some of the flowers are daisies, hollyhocks, cone flowers, peonies, bulbs and many other perennials.

#10 Project - 90 To Go

2010-03-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

I made some fun St. Patrick' s Day Blocks - all the information is on my St. Patricks Day Blog at http://bucketideasforholidays.blogspot.com/ Here is a picture:

Project #9 - 91 To Go

2010-02-25T17:44:00.001-08:00

Today I organized a Preparedness Organization for our family. We are going to conference call every first Sunday of the month at 6:30 our time. We have 12 topics and 12 foods. Each tiem we talk about one food and 3 topics. The topics will be repeated quarterly the food topics once a year. Each person has their area of expertise. You can find all the details on my preparedness blog at: Buckets of Preparedness

#8 Project - 92 To Go

2010-02-25T08:52:00.001-08:00

I am planning my yard one theme garden at a time. I have two pictures to show you - one from about 2 minutes ago and one from last spring. I think I have a while to make my plans!

I have more about this on my gardening blog, but it is one of my projects and favorite things to do. http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/

#7 Project - 93 To Go

2010-02-25T08:45:00.001-08:00

I made these blocks for some of my friends for Christmas. They turned out so darling, one of these days I will make some for me!

#6 Project - 94 To Go

2010-02-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

My friend's birthday is tomorrow. her darling daughter shared some pictures at Christmas time for a gift I did for her - actually I think I will post that project too, it is too cute and may give someone else some ideas. I used about 4 of the pictures and she sent me 14, so I decided I would have them all developed and make this book for her for her b-day - it turned out so fun. I am excited to give it to her.

#5 Project - 95 To Go

2010-02-21T11:50:00.001-08:00

I normally don't do projects on Sunday - but I needed to make a card for a darling woman who was my YW leader and is turning 90. I wanted it to be special and vintage looking.
I haven't made a lot of cards because I haven't been able to find my "style". (I am having a lot of finding crisis lately!) I made one card and didn't like it so I started iver.

I have two pictures of it, one with a flash and one without so you get two pix of the same card!

#4 Project - 96 To Go

2010-02-20T12:50:00.001-08:00

I organized my Gardening Stuff. It looks so great! I had it in binders that were falling all over the place when I picked them up. I bought some folders and put the information in 10 sections:

Gardens, Flowers, Veggies, Herbs, Basics, Fruits, Area's of our yard, Decor, Projects., Misc.

I am ready to start planning our yard for the summer and this had to be done first. WOO HOO!

see http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/ to see my plans.

3rd Project - 97 To Go

2010-02-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

I made these Valentine Blocks for a centerpiece for our table. We just had family pix done so it was a perfect fit.

2nd Project - 98 To Go

2010-02-19T18:20:00.000-08:00

I made these boxes to give to the ladies I visit Teach for Valentines Day and put valentine heart goodies in them. They could be made and decorated for any holiday. They were boxes I have had for a while. I am trying to use up what I have and it is fun to see what develops.

1st Project - 99 to Go

2010-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

My first project is something I made for my sweetheart for Valentines Day. I made my husband a scrapbook of all the pictures of him with our grandchildren. It is about 40 pages and turned out just perfect.

100 Projects

2010-02-14T20:10:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about this for a while now. I wonder what I do that is unique, that offers joy to the world and serves others.
I think about my grandmother's. My paternal grandmother quilted, did handwork, gardened, collected glass birds from all over the world, grew amazing African Viiolets and loved everyone. especially her grandchldren. we all thought we were her favorite. My maternal grandmother was the most frugal person I have ever known. She could make anything - candles, soap, butter, cheese and the most wonderful bread and white cake. She was amazing. She was a hard worker and never complained about it.
I have friends who are equally amazing. Betty can create amazing things out of paper, fabric and anything she touches. She makes quilts, birdhouses, cards, house decor and so much more. Bonita can create anything with her sewing machine. She makes amazing gifts, things for her house, and so much more. Mala knows herbs and how to help improve your health with them. She has mastered the art of simplicity in her life and is always at peace. She serves and loves all who come into her contact. Cindy knows the earth - she see's the living light within everything that comes from the dirt. These are just a fw of the amazing women I know, they are all devoted mothers and grandmothers as well.
I have been pondering what I do that is legacy to my family and how I serve them, what I do to bring joy to the world. So I am doing this experiment. I am going to keep record of the things I do 100 - 100 projects. this is a personal walk to find out what I do to bring the world joy.

Today Is Tuesday

2010-01-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

(Newest family pix taken a coup;le of weeks ago - this collage has our children pix too.)
I love today - I am surrounded by the love of two little boys today. Our two oldest grandsons come to our house one day a week while their mom works as a cardiac care nurse at our local hospital. These two little boys are here and fill our house with instant energy and unconditional love.

This morning, Wyatt said, "Crapa - are you a grandfather to my brudder and me?" I love those kinds of questions. He and I decided that next year we are going to make a purple christmas tree with jets and other things on it. He loves purple and he loves jets. He loves that there are food tornado's and that grasshoppers are sleeping.

What a world of wonder he has brought into our lives. We have 4 other little boys (22 months, one 14 months, two 5 months) so excited to grow up with them too!

Valentine's Day is Coming

2010-01-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

I am working on some Valentines projects during my afternoon project time. (Read about that below.) If you want to see some of the fun things I am working on come on over to my Valentine Blog http://bucketsofvalentinesdayideas.blogspot.com/ See you there!

January Goal

2010-01-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out a routine that works. I have struggled with this for a couple of years since our kids all left and I finally have it! WOO HOO!

a.m. till about 9:00 a.m. ----> scripture/ prayer/ eat breakfast/exercise/ check e-mail and get ready for the day time.

9 till about 11 ----> clean house (one hour for pick up all over, one hour for deep clean)

11 till about 2 ----> work at home business

2 till a bout 5 ----> rest/ daily project/ fun, read, look up gardening ideas, etc

5 on supper and evening activities

It is working!

My goal for this year is to get my house in order. I need to be a better manager. I want to be organized and clean. Everything is so grungy and I am putting my foot down! Clean here we come!!!

Last week was my kitchen week. I started by deep cleaning my stove - it needed it! The drawers and everything were just disgusting. I cleaned out all the cupboards and drawers. No more grime now!

This week is my hall and extra room week. So I did the hallway closet. The next room I did this past week was my "Girl Cave." It seemed everything from Christmas landed in there. I redid the closet and put all the extra shelves I had all over the house in there - it is awesome!

Here are the before and after pictures:

Mt closet after - it was awful before and I didn't evern think about taking a picture. All the sewing things are together, my scrapbook and card things together, all the misc. together etc.

Sewing corner BEFORE
Sewing Corner AFTER (Still have my peppermint tree up in this bay windwo - I can't help myself it is just so cheery!)

A New Year!

2010-01-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything - I am ready join the blogging world again!

Last spring I was having issues with Adrenal Exhaustion. I was doing better and in August our 2 daughters had babies, my husband ran for city council, I canned like a maniac all the stuff from our garden, then I got sick about the middle of November and have been sick since. Swine flu is on my list of experiences. We also had our family here for Chrismtas and I am feeling the adrenal exhaustion again.

I am simplifying my life. I have needed to do this for a very long time. After much prayer and pondering I am cutting out much of the activities I have done. I am already feeling the benefits of it. This is the first time in my life I have really stood up for myself and I am going to get better. I have things to do and places to go and people I need to serve and love.

Another New baby!

2009-10-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't this so amazing - another new baby born August 15 - Baby Tate!

Our New Baby!

2009-08-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Woo HOO! Our new baby grandson was born today - he is beautiful!
Grandma's really do have fun!

4th of July!

2009-07-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

I love the 4th of July! We are going to see the Balloon Races, the fireworks, have picnics, play games, eat and have a great time.
Our son won't be here and we will miss him tons!
Happy 4th!

RAIN! It looks like we live in Oregon!

2009-06-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Storms Rolling in Pictures

Don't you love the rain! We live in Idaho and where we are is considered a desert. We gt an average of 7 inches of water a year. To date we are at over 8 inches. It is amazing here. It looks like we live in Oregon! It is a rich emerald green everywhere. We haven't watered our garden or lawn once yet. We have toadstools growing in our lawn, puddles everywhere and there are flash flood warnings but we are loving it!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-06-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

I love my birthday..... My family and friends call and tell me they love me - it is always just a perfect day. I get to do whatever I want all day.

Today I am turning over a new leaf - forget the New Years Resolutions - I am going to do Happy Birthday Resolutions. I am stressed out too often about things that really don't matter and I am the one who does it to myself. It is me who must make the change.

1 - Enjoy the day! Be refreshed in my spirit daily - this is what I too often let slide.
*I am going to walk around my beautiful yard every morning and feel the beauty and be filled with the love of Heavenly Father as I see all that He has created in my own little world. Thankful for the gift I have been given to create my own little Garden Of Eden.
*I would like to watch the sunsets everynight that I am able.
*I love to have Daily Devotion time, but sometimes I rush through it...slow down
*Everyday exercise for me
2 - Say "no" to too many commitments and say "yes" to loving others
3- I would like to go back to school, I have about one semester to get my bachelor's and I would like to finish it. Then maybe go on to get my masters.
4 - Live in love and light and joy

I have done my daily devotion time and exercised. Today, being Monday I get our home in order which I love to do, picked up the house, done a couple loads of laundry, finished the cover on my book.
What am I doing the rest of the day.... we like everyone, trying to cut back so we are having a stay at home day. Mitch is coming home early and bringing lunch . We are putting up the trellis we already have up in the side yard which I have wanted to do for a couple of years. We are spraying it purple along with other pieces of yard art that is in our own little retreat. I will post pictures on my garden blog when we are done. http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/ I know it sounds weird but it is quite amazing! Then I hope we can watch a movie and have a nice dinner together.

Happy Birthday To Me!

4:30 a.m.

2009-06-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I always have time to write on this at 5 a.m. and then I can't think of anything clever to say. I am often awakened at 4:30 a.m. by my darling husband who has sleep apnea and sometimes really, really snores.

Sleep Apnea - do you know what that is? We didn't either and about 4 years ago he had a massive heart attack because of it. After a week in Intensive Care, a sleep study and roughly $70,000 in medical bills which our insurance paid all but about $10,000 (whew!) and a few years of living with it, we have become experts.

If the person you sleep with gasps for air, then seems to stop breathing and convulses a little, the chances are pretty high that your darling spouse has sleep apnea. You need to check in with your doctor and get some medical help. It is quite a serious condition that is quite simple to take care of.

A few 4:30 a.m. blessings

I have time to catch up on e-mails, on facebook, reading blogs etc.
I always hear the birds just before the sun comes up
I usually go back to bed for an hour or so about 7 a.m. by then my eyes are crossing
I get my world straightened around and clarified

Vintage Thursday - My Grandfather's Pitchfork

2009-04-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am cleaning out my gardens and so today I wanted to share a picture of this pitchfork that belonged to my Grandfather. He was born in 1879 and died long before I was born. I would guess this is from the 1920 or 1930's pre-depression days. This is tucked in my herb garden close to my back door. I think about him everytime I see it.

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

I Am So Blessed

2009-04-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

This week I am concentrating on being more grateful. I have realized that I need to be more aware of that. We are all so blessed. There is bad news everywhere...but there is good news too! We have a beautiful world, I need to just open my eyes to see it. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and knows me by name, I have wonderful people all around me, my list can go on and on. This week my quest is being grateful in all things.

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more. (D&C 78:19).

Vintage Thursday - April 16 - My Mom's China

2009-04-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

My dad left for Korea 3 days after my parents were married and my mom was still in High School. They didn't buy china when they got married because they couldn't afford it.

When I was about 4 years old, my dad bought my mom some china for Christmas. He told me about it and hid it under my bed so she wouldn't find it. He told me I coudlnt' tell her about it. I remember being more excited to get up on Christmas and have her open that box, than I was for Santa and what he had brought me.

This T-Cup is from that set of china.

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Vntage Thursday - Goblet

2009-04-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

I showed this once for a show and tell day, but it fits better with Vintage Thursday, so I going to share it with you, sorry if it is a repeat for any of you.

This beautiful goblet is one of a set of six goblets that I have of my great grandmother's. This great grandmother was a pioneer that crossed the plains with the mormon pioneers as a child. Her husband fell off a roof when all of her children were young and she was on her own to support the family. Her son, my grandfather as a young teenager worked all summer at a farm in another state. He took some of his money and bought his mother a set of 12 goblets. He did it because she had never had anything nice and he wanted to get her something beautiful.

My grandfather was born in 1895 so these would have been purchased around 1900. My mother was his youngest child of 8 children. My grandfather died when I was 5. When I think about this story it always brings tears to my eyes. We all have such amazing heritages. I wish more of the stories were available.

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

April 6 - It Is A Boy!

2009-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

We have 2 darling daughters who are expecting in August.
We just found out that one of them is having a boy!

April 2 - Vintage Thursday

2009-04-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Woo HOO It is Thursday again! I wanted to share a quilt my grandmother made me when I was born in 1953. It is totally hand stitched and it is still lovely!

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

March 30 - I Have Spring Fever

2009-03-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

We work up yesterday to winds and by the time we got out of church we were in a full blown blizzard. The wind was blowing 35 mph with gusts up to 50. Visibility was less than 1/4 a mile. It was blowing so hard that it would blow people over. I opened the door of the car during a gust and it popped the door and sprung it. Now it won't close all the way.

Anyway, I was just looking out the window today while doing dishes and it officially hit - I HAVE SPRING FEVER. I get this way every year - it is a seasonal sickness and this year it is the worst I have had! I try so hard to live in the moment but I can't stand it anymore! I am so ready to be outside. I am afraid the only antedote is warm and sun and dirt!

Vintage Thursday - Cup from Occupied Japan

2009-03-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

I got this cup at a garage sale last summer. I was carrying it around and lady came up to me and said, "Do you know what that cup is?" I didn't and she told me it was made in Japan during the war. I was impressed that she noticed it right off and as well enough acqauinted with the history of the cup that she knew all about it. I appreciate any information any of you may have about this cup.

Top rim

This is the bottom of the cup...it says, "Sone China" made in occupied Japan.

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

I Love Faces - Week 11 - No Flash

2009-03-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

Be sure and visit http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/2008/01/week-11-kids.html to see all the other entry's! Thanks for hosting this Ann and Angie!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is our darling g-son Wyatt. This was taken in the play yard in our back yard early one June morning last summer. He is watching our cat in this pix. I love it because it captures the wonder of his world!

Vintage Thursday - Quaker Oats Plates

2009-03-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

These are plates that belonged to my Maternal Great Grandmother. I took some cookies to a church function about 10 years ago and an 80 year old lady who lives in our ward (congregation) said, "I haven't seen these since I was a little girl - we used to get them out of bags of Quaker Oats Oatmeal. It was before the cereal came in the round boxes, they were in bags and we bought them to collect these dishes. Everyone did it and if you didn't have a piece of one size but were long on a piece of another size, we traded them around so we could all get complete sets."
Since then I have looked at garage sales to find more. I have found other dishes that match but aren't the exact set so I can set a table, but I am still on the lookout for these from the original design.

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

March 13 - I RODE MY BIKE!

2009-03-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got to ride my bike again today! WOO HOO! First time since November. It is sunny, snow still on the ground in places, but it was glorious to be outside. It is 38* and I went 1 3/4 mile, I will have to get my stamina back up, but I was outside!

(Disclaimer from Graphic - I would NEVER wear a two piece anything in public! I need to get some more bike graphics or take a picture on my bike!)

Vintage Thursday - March 12 - My Mom's Doll

2009-03-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

This doll lives in my hutch. She is beautiful! When my dad was in Korea, he sent my mom this doll with an engagement ring on her wrist. I love this doll. It is even more special since they both passed away several years ago. Thanks for letting me share.

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Daylight Savings Time Challenge

2009-03-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

WOW - I wonder if Benjamin Franklin ever tried this before he suggested it! Did you know that heart attacks increase in the spring with the time change?

Everyone I know is dragging.....it usually takes about a week to get the body in sinc with the time. We all drag ourselves out of bed and by nighttime we are ready to rock and roll!

Meanwhile it is Wednesday and I am moving earlier than Tuesday, so that is a good thing!
Happy Daylight Savings Time everyone!

Vintage Thursday

2009-03-05T06:12:00.000-08:00

This is my first Vintage Thursday - I would love to share my Grandmothers Cookie Jar.

My Ancestor Christmas Tree had this vinatge cookie jar in it. You can see a picture of it in the tree - http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-ancestor-tree.html go down five pictures and you can see it. Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks to Colorado Lady for hosting this! To see other Vintage Sharers, visit http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Cody is One Year Old Today!

2009-03-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Our darling #2 g-son is 1 year old today!

A little about him:

He loves his grandpa more than me

He is walking all over

He says uh-oh
He eats anything
He loves his brother
He smiles all of the time!

Happy Birthday Cody!

Today is a Sad Day

2009-03-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

I don't feel sad very often but today I am sad! These are the times when I hate being a mom. Our son Jonathan just left for Nashville, Tennessee. I don't know when I will see him again. It is about a 22 hour drive to get there. He is driving to Provo, Utah tonight and picking up a friend who lives there. They going to Denver tomorrow, then to St. Louis Mo. on Wednesday and into Nashville on Thursday.

I am happy for his excitement, I am looking forward to his success.
He has had a rough last 12 months and I pray that he will have a better next 12 months.

This is the part of parenting that nobody tells you about, but every parent has to go through it.
I have always had at least one of our children around. When Shayla got married last summer, it was the same time Jonathan came, so this is really the first time I am not a mom anymore.

I have to find another reason for my purpose. Being a mom full time is the best, but right now it is the worst. I will feel better in a few days, probably even tomorrow, but right now this very minute I am sad. Thanks for letting me share with you.

I Am Damaged!

2009-02-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

I always run 100 miles an hour. I love being busy and productive. This past week after my painting project talked about in my last post. I sanded and painted it all, put things together and then I went to bed.

When I woke up my arm was not working anymore. I pulled something and it is owy!

It always helps me appreciate how great my body works all together when some part is mal-functioning. It also reminds me of the activities I do that are important and those which aren't.

Yesterday I couldn't even move it. Today I brushed my teeth with my right hand....a big step....to get my hand up to my mouth. I had to finish with my left hand but at least it is a start! I hope I can do my hair tomorrow and put on make up because it is Sunday. I tried with my left hand, but it just isn't the same!

Project Friday - Before and After

2009-02-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Rose at Sugarplum Cottage for hosting this. Check out http://sugarplumcottage.blogspot.com/ to see the other participants.

My project this week is our Dining Room Area. We had a big pantry that hled lots of stuff that didn't really need to be there. Our family is growing and we have been so squished in the room when everyone is home. We decided to take out the pantry to make the room bigger. We got the project done and still needed to paint, so my project was to get that painting done! Here are the before and after pictures.

Before we started

First Wall Down

The ceiling fell down - not exactly what we had planned!

Everything put back together again and ready for paint.

This picture is after painting - no decorating has been done! But we have so much more room! WOO HOO

FOOD STORAGE FRIDAY

2009-02-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

Our family nubers have changed dramatically in the past 18 months. Today I am taking an inventory of the canned goods we need to replace, to rotate and plan on for the future. Canned goods are my task for today!

I am adding some menu's to our food storage plans, so some of the canned goods will be changed as far as need. I think I have too much of the same type of food and need to expand a bit.

I would love to hear what others have planned for their menu's! Please post some of those ideas in my comment section and I will share them next week.

Please join us every Friday to share your Food Storage and Preparedness Ideas at http://bucketideasforpreparedness.blogspot.com/

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

I would love to share how thankful I am for the seasons. I love living where we experience them all from one end of the spectrum to another. It is the end of February and the snow is melting. My pond is melted. For the first time I can see my fish since October and they are huge! Woo for spring and another changing season.

Our pond in the summer

St. George Trip

2009-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

It is always so great to get away. It helps you get your perspective in order. I always see things better when I come back home. It was so nice there. When we pointed the car northward we watched as the temp dropped steadily. We left at 60* at about noon and when we got home at about 9 p.m. it was 11* ---brrrr!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While there we went to a Valentine Party that our daughter and her husband sponsor each year for a local charity. It was a black tie event. Here is eveyone but our oldest daughter who with her hubby took care of all the children

Here is everyone in the hot tub. Jonathan had his appendix out a few days ago and not supposed to get in the water .

Playing Mario Kart on the Wii

The view

We had a wonderful time

Pink Saturday

2009-02-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

This adorable teddy bear was my gift for Valentines Day from my Sweetheart. In this beautiful tray is also a pink candle, pink glass light up teddy bear, pink perfune, pink lotion, and pink goodies. I am totally spoiled!

Check out http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/so-just-what-is-pink-saturday.html for more Pink Saturday Blogs

Headed for St. George Utah

2009-02-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend our #2 daughter is blessing our #3 grandson. We are going to leave snowy Idaho and hopefully find the sun! It is 14* here now and 43* in St. George.
See you next week!

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

Today I am Thankful for "Thankful Thursday." I try to be grateful always, but this is such a unique opportunity to write something down and share. Thank you for that and letting me be a part of it.

Watcha Doing Wednesday?

2009-02-11T07:14:00.001-08:00

Our furnace was put in yesterday - finally! WOO HOO! We haven't had a furnace for over 3 years and have heated with a kerosene heater. It was so glorious to wake up to warm floors, warm air after showers, and no cold pockets in the house. I could go on and on.

Ok with that said - what am I working on today?
The room the furnace is in is pretty discomboobled, so I will be putting that back together again. That will probably take all day, but with that room, my house is nearly deep cleaned from top to bottom. I can do some fun things I have wanted to do for a while. We have had so much going on I haven't been able to deep clean my house for several years.

You can visit Leslie's blog to see what everyone else is working on today. There are always fun ideas here. http://sweets-mycountryhome.blogspot.com/

Blooming Tuesday

2009-02-09T21:24:00.001-08:00

I love Blooming Tuesday! I think I have spring fever. This has become my favorite day of the week because I get to think about digging in the dirt.

This picture was taken last summer. It is the day we (my duaghter in pix and I) cleaned out the cutting garden. I love this garden, it is filled with perrenials so it changes weekly. This year I want to add some lily's to a couple bare spots.

Thanks for letting me share!
Paula in Idaho - where this garden is currently under snow......

Homemaking Monday

2009-02-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Post in progress throughout the day.......

I love Monday's. I am always regenerated to get my house in order after having Sunday, a day off.
It truly is my home blessing day.

My plans today are to get my house in order. For cleaning purposes I diveded our home in to quarters. Then each week through the month I focus on one quarter each week. I have had lots of things going on since before the holidays and every quarter is in disarray! I have tried for several weeks to do this but other things - more important things have come up. We have had enough emergencies etc. and nothing will stop me!!! This is the day!

My projects for the day: Clean each room - pick up clutter, quick dust and vacum.

Then deep clean - The hall closet and laundry cupboards. I have publicly committed to do these things. I shall return and report when I am finished!

Visit http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ to get all kinds of inspiration and blogging friend's ideas to help get your home in order.

Hall Closet

Before

This has needed to be cleaned since the first of December - UGH!

After

WOO HOO - On to the next project!

Laundry Room

This is my poor laundry room before I cleaned it. Things from a b-day last week, laundry, remodling supplies, crock pot - why is that in there? etc.

Laundry Room After

It looks so happy!

This is the shelf over the washer before I dejunked and cleaned it

This is the shelf over the washer after I cleaned it out.

This is the cupboard over the dryer before getting dejunked.

This is the shelf over the dryer after it has been cleaned out and organized.

Pink Saturday

2009-02-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

I love pink! It was one of our wedding colors. Yet, over the years I haven't cllected very much pink! Being a part of "Pink Saturday" has made me realize that my pink collection is very limited. I am going to do something about that!
Meanwhile, I found this pink vase of my mom's. I had tucked it into my Valentine decorations and pull it out each year as I decorate for Valentines Day. It has been around since I was a little girl, I have no idea of it's age.

For more Pink Saturday Partiers see http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Show and Tell Friday

2009-02-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

This beautiful goblet is one of a set of six goblets that I have of my great grandmother's. My grandfather as a young teenager worked all summer at a farm in another state. He took some of his money and bought his mother a set of 12 goblets. He did it becuse she had never had anything nice and he wanted to get her something beautiful. His father, her husband fell off a roof when he was little. she had 6 small children and was on her own to support the family.

My grandfather was born in 1895 so these would have been purchased around 1900. I am the chld of the youngest child in a family of 8 children. My grandfather died when I was 5.

When I think about this story it always brings tears to my eyes. We all have such amazing heritages. I wish more of the stories were available.

Thanks for letting me share!
Paula in Idaho

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

I was laying in bed this morning, thinking about Thankful Thursday and so many thoughts float through my mind....but today I would like to say how grateful I am for my sweetheart.

We have been married for nearly 35 years. That is a very long time! We have had some hard things happen to us, but the list of good things is far longer. EVen the hard things have taught us to cleave to one another, to work together and to love each other more, so that list automatically flips onto the good list!

My day's are sandwiched with him......my mornings start with him and my day ends with him. I am so grateful to a loving Father in Heaven for blessing my life with Mitchell.

Here is a picture of us from last summer.

Watcha Doing Wednesday

2009-02-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

I am working on Valentine Decor Projects this week.

Today I am working on this darling No Sew Garland that is from Fiona's Blog. I will post pictures of mine when I am finished. I am making two - one with five heart s and one with seven.

My holiday blog has the link for instructions. http://bucketideasforholidays.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you also to Leslie for hosting this. You can check her blog at http://sweets-mycountryhome.blogspot.com/ to see more Whatcha Doing Wednesday Projects. Always fun ideas!