And we're back...

Whew!  The last few months have been a whirlwind with everything going on in our life.  I am happy to say we have moved into our new house.  We are busy unpacking and learning our new city and trying to get some connections made.  It is always bittersweet to leave our dear friends behind.

I have so many pics to still share from the last few months but before we get to those let's check out this great giveaway!  Who wants to win a Nutrimill?  ME!!!  I love bread.  I love the way it makes the house smell delicious and I would love to make even better bread by grinding my own flour so it would be fresher than store bought.  If you want a chance to win then you'd better hurry over to Heavenly Homemakers and check out the details...(love that site by the way!)

Mmmm.... I can smell it and taste it now.  Besides, my new oven has the cutest little side oven that would be perfect to bake bread!

Now That's a Cookie!

 While checking out some of my favorite blogs I ran across this intriguing cookie recipe.  I have never made a chocolate chip cookie before that you had to let the dough chill for 24 hours before baking so we had to test this one out.  It also called for both cake and bread flour.  We patiently waited for the 24 hours to pass so we could start eating baking the cookies.  The directions said to place 3.5 ounce dough balls on the baking sheet.  Hmmm.... that seems like a lot but we were following directions.  I pulled out my handy scale that p&s Leah gave me a couple of years ago.  (Thanks again, Leah.  LOVE IT.) 

My word these are monster size.  So much for portion control.  I don't know why my pants are getting tight.  I only eat one cookie a day.  ;)

Spring Program

This year's spring program focused on we are all different but God loves us the same.  E's class did the 1-2-cha-cha-cha.  She was not happy that they all had to wear a mustache!  Too bad our talented seamstress cousins live so far away.  I'm sure you two could've whipped up a beautiful skirt for the girls to wear.  Despite the costume design, she did a great job singing.

Mother's Day

We had a great day celebrating here.  DH made the best meal!  I think I ate a dozen grilled bacon wrapped peppers.  The kids played nicely and E even had a surprise gift for me.  She always tells me her gifts but this time she was able to keep it a secret all week.  She made my hair accessory with the help of the baby sitter.  I was envied by all at church!

Admit it - you know you want one too!

Track Meet

What a fun but chilly morning at the track meet. There were numerous events and the kids got to pick four to compete in.  E picked long jump, obstacle course, softball throw and chin ups.  She had a blast.  All the kids ran in the 50 yard dash.  I'm not sure how they picked the line up but E ended up running against two other boys.  She stayed with them until the end.  You go Girl!  I think her favorite part was the congratulation hand slap after each kid competed.

The obstacle course was lots of fun.  She had a great lead and then slowed down once she got to the last 3 sections.  All in all it was a great way to spend the morning.  The boys took a great nap when we got home!

Teacher Appreciation

Time to play catch up here.  I haven't crafted much due to my stuff being packed!  I think I may need to unpack it or at least move the boxes to the front of the gargage so I can have access to my things!  No offers on the house and we haven't found anything in our new area yet either so we wait. And wait... and wait some more.  I think the lesson I'm supposed to learn here is WAIT.  :)

Anyway, I did manage to make a little gift for E's teachers at the beggining of the month.  I found these cute survival cans from Our Best Bites.   We filled each of them with their favorite snacks and then personlized each with a monogram letter.

Sure cute and super simple and the best part was all I needed was paper.  The kids gladly ate the fruit for me and the rest was so relaxing.  I love making things.  There is such satisfaction and joy in being able to send a smile to another.  The inspiration post had ribbon tied to the pull tabs but, yes - you guess it, mine is packed.  I even went to the store here to buy some but this little town doesn't have much in craft supplies.  I guess that is easier on the budget.

Happy Birthday, Grumps!

I've tried numerous times to send this through email but can't figure it out.  The main reason this blog was set up was so I could easily share videos with loved ones so... enjoy Dad...

Hope your day was great in spite of the crazy weather!  We love you!!!

update: By the way, that is E's impression of a turtle stuck upside down at the end of the video.

Still Here...

So life went into overdrive and posts on this blog became obsolete.  I am still here amidst the boxes.  Sadly, I will have no crafts to post until we get settled in our new house.  (All supllies have been taped shut...)  So, I will just post various pics from my past. 

Since today is my DH's birthday we'll start with a cake I made for his change of command reception five years ago.

Memory lane is a fun stroll.  Hope you come back and walk with me.

Tractors

Look out world, K has found his calling!  A friend from church mentioned she was driving the tractor this week and my ears perked up.  Really?  I'm thinking field trip for the boys.  She was all for it so I loaded the boys up and off we went to their family farm.

Her tractor was huge!  I'm talking fancy stuff.  She didn't even really drive.  It drove itself!  Seriously!!!  She did have to do the turns but other than that she just sat while the satellite kept it going straight down the row.  Well, it would have if my boys hadn't kept turning the wheel to help drive.  :)  This may turn out to be our new favorite outing.  Planting season is around the corner so lots of tractor work is going on in the fields.  If you see a little blonde boy driving watch out!



He is always serious when it comes to driving.



Since this was a closed cab C even liked it after awhile.



S.O.S. Mornings

Mornings have not been going so well this week.  Yesterday, I woke up with my DD standing by the bed telling me she was having a bad dream.  When I opened my eyes my room was brighter than it should be when we get up for school.  I quickly looked at the clock to see that it was 7:40.  No way she'd be there at 8:00.  Guess who forgot to turn the alarm on?!?!  We made it by 8:20 but I felt bad that her first tardy was completely my fault.
Fast forward to this morning's big crisis...

NO COFFEE!!!

I meant to go to the store yesterday but instead took the van in to get an oil change.  So this morning I will be enjoying another of my favorites...

I can usually find this at Sam's in the winter.  I love the smell of Chai tea and it is so yummy!  So, until I make it to the store this will be my morning drink.  Cheers!

Diaper Cake

I'm sad to report there has not been much crafting around here.  Sick kiddos took over the house and any down time.  My focus for the next few months will be packing and trying to keep the house of three little ones ready to show. (I laugh thinking about that.)  I will try to sneak in some craft time for sanity sake. 
Today we had a baby shower for a friend at church.  I was asked to make a diaper cake. So, with little resources and no trip planned to the big city to pick up extra decor to add to the cake this is what I presented.

The bow is actually reused from a flower arrangement I got for my birthday.  Everyone loved it and I felt guilty for how easy and little effort it took to put together.

Ice Princess

We made it back for a second trip on the ice and this time E skated by herself away.  We are so proud of her.  She is hoping that we move somewhere near a rink so she can take lessons.  Wait until she sees the sparkly outfits skaters wear.  We'll never get her off the ice then!

This one is when she spotted her brothers watching through the window.  So sweet...

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is in the air.  E was so excited about Valentine's Day.  She said tonight is like Valentine's Eve.  She was sad that it is only one day a year.  Who can blame her?  A holiday with her favorites... pink, hearts and chocolate!  Her school does homemade valentines.  This year we took a group picture of her class and then put it through her favorite machine... the Cuttlebug.  She couldn't do it herself this time since we were using a cutting die so next time her projects will be embossing only with that machine.

The project was simple.  We glued the pictures on cardstock and then glued her sentiment on the back and then ran it through the Cuttlebug with the puzzle maker die.  She then put all the pieces in a snack bag.  We stapled a topper on and then the real fun for her began.  She got to stamp and sticker all she wanted...front and back!  I can't wait to see what Valentines she comes home with in her bag.


Her teachers got a slider gift card.(I first learned about slider cards from Robyn.)



Peachy Keen Stamps

My first set up Peachy Keen Stamps have arrived!!!  Or I should say, 2 sets!   Thanks Frankie Anne for the birthday cash.  It was fun getting to splurge on anything I wanted.  Now... what should I make first???

Ice Skating

While we were visiting DH we were able to take in some of the sites with the kiddos.  There were many things on the to do list that we did get done.  (Craft shopping not one of them...)  We did get to enjoy Chuck E Cheese's.  The kids think that is the best place ever!  We also spent lots of time at the mall playing in the playground, riding the carousel and of course ice skating.  I kept the 2 little ones occupied while E got to spend some fun ice skating time with her Daddy.  She loved it and wants to take lessons now.  If we end up moving there I guess we'll be looking into skate school.

Cold Days

Brrrr..... we haven't been above freezing temps in days!  I have already thawed the pipes on the toilet once.  Thankfully they didn't burst.  That was with a heater in the bathroom but with these below 0 temps that didn't even keep it warm enough.  I have moved the heater closer to the pipe and that seems to be keeping it warm enough now. 
So to keep the rest of us warm I have been cooking.  My DD and I made Dill Wheat Bread.  It was fun to show her how to knead the dough by hand.  We even used a thermometer for part of the recipe!  (This photo is for you p&s Gwen!)

Notice the temp is already at 150.  It was only supposed to be between 120-130 but I was reading the celsius numbers.  My brain kicked in when it started boiling.  Oops!  After letting it cool to the correct temp we were able to finish the bread.

This poor bread didn't stand a chance.  It looked so pretty while rising until I dropped the pan.  It only fell a couple of inches back onto the counter but that was enough to knock the rise out of it.  The bread still tasted wonderful and the house smelled delicious!  DD thought it was "tastee."  It was the perfect side to our potato soup.  Mmmmm....

Love card

Thanks to the cold weather we have to stay indoors.  After I got the kiddos tucked in bed I was able to slip in some crafting time.  I decided to make a card playing with the Gypsy.  I also pulled out my new i-rock to give it some bling.  I'm loving that tool!  (Thanks p&s Sarah.)

I've entered this in:
40:31 Creations Challenge
So Saturday Challenge #2

What a surprise!  I received the Stylish Blogger Award from sweet Olga. What I have learned in my short blogging time is that crafting people are so supportive of your efforts.  I love having a place to share my crazy odds and ends of the day and then to get comment love just makes it even more fun.  Thanks Olga for thinking of me.

When you receive this award you are suppose to #1, thank and link back to the person (or people) who awarded it to you, #2. Share 8 things about yourself, #3 pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered, and #4, contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards :)

So 8 things about me:

1. I love pranks.
2. My favorite color is yellow.
3. I love listening to my kids play.
4. I prefer warm weather.
5. Chai tea is yummy!
6. I love working with kids.
7. Peanut butter and chocolate was a fabulous idea!
8. Life is more fun with a friend around.

8 blogs I recently found:

1. http://www.asmjoyscrapbooking.com/
2. http://craftymomma04.blogspot.com/
3. http://ladyluvbug.blogspot.com/
4. http://mommakcrafts.blogspot.com/
5. http://danasimaginationcreations.blogspot.com/
6. http://grammiescraftroom.blogspot.com/
7. http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/
8. http://heartinthedetails.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Olga.  Check out the great things these ladies have been crafting!

Jewelry Art

Today's post is something that has needed to be organized for a long time now.  I rarely wear jewelry for several reasons.  The number one lately has been because little fingers LOVE to pull on it and break it.  But the next biggest reason would be trying to find what I wanted.  I have a little jewelry box that sits on the counter but necklaces get tangled up in it and it becomes frustrating trying to get ready in the morning.  I have had on my wish list for SEVERAL years now one of those jewelry boxes that hang on the wall with a mirrored door but it has yet to appear so I made my own design with what I had around the house.  Introducing my jewelry masterpiece. I think I may like it even more than the store bought one!

Now I can see quickly what I have so I can accessorize and get out the door.  Any ideas for how to display my earrings?

Craft Shopping Trip Postponed

This weekend was supposed to be my big shopping trip.  (I live in a little town where there is not even a Wal-Mart much less a HL or Michaels.)   I had been dreaming about all the craft stores.  I had my coupons printed and my gift cards packed.  I had been drooling over spending hours just looking around making my choices.  Only that didn't happen.  I got sick!  We made it to the "big" city only for me to come down with the stomach bug.  :(  Talk about disappointing...  So instead of checking out all the great craft stores in the area I took a nap in the hotel.
We are planning another trip next month so maybe the sales will be great!  I still have my gift cards and I'll be sure to print out the latest coupons and try again.

Pay it Forward

I saw this on a blog I am now following.  Sweet Magnolia Rose is paying it forward and challenging others to keep it going.  Here are the rules:

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must repost this status, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade (or homemade) by you and it must be sent to your 5 people some time in 2011. Ready, set, GO!

Please note the arrival of your handmade item - "some time in 2011."  I always have good intentions of getting things done early but life happens and I am usually running around at the last minute!

I'm excited about this project, how about you?  What a fun way to make someone's day!

Congratulations, sweet E!

Just wanted to post a proud momma shot.  My DD is in our church Awana program and LOVES it.  Give her little goals to work towards and she takes off.  She has been earning little jewels for her vest every few weeks but the award she wanted was at the end of the book.  She wanted the blue ribbon!  She has worked hard studying her verses to learn and finished the book in only half the classes.  She will now work on the extra credit patch.  Way to go E!  We are so proud of you and your hard work.

Turns out the ribbon was actually green.  :(  Also, it was western night.  Her leader doesn't always wear chaps.

Make Your Own Tote

I know, I know.  The previous post states I am not a sewer.  I'm not really.  My projects are far from perfect and the great thing about posting pictures is you can't see most of the flaws!  This tote was made from a bird seed sack.  My neighbor growing up sells bird seed and this is one of his new bags for canary feed.  I love the bright cheerful colors. 



His wife is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.  They always open their home up for people.  The holidays will find many folks enjoying not just a meal together but lots of fellowship.  She makes sure to have a craft on hand for anyone that ones to participate... supplies included.  This tote was this year's project.  Since her DH is the owner she was able to get the feed bags BEFORE they were ever filled with seed so no allergies to worry about.  (I'm sure you could wipe them out if you bought it from the store and still reuse it.)

To be a really useful tote I must have pockets!  I put three small pockets on each side.  And just so you know, I started the project but I'm too slow so naptime was over and my sweet mom finished it for me.  Thanks mom and thanks Connie for the wonderful project!!!

UPDATE:  Here are 3 more tote's that were made using these reusable feed bags...



Mom's bag... appropriate since we raised parakeets!



E's bag... sized just for her.



 

Tina wanted a larger tote and that is easy since you can cut the sack to any size you want.

Crinkle Taggie Blanket

Hi, My name is Audra and I am not a seamstress.  There.  I have admitted it.  I love the thought of sewing and making things.  I see projects and think how fun it would be to try.  I see lots of projects... in my head.  Not many of them actually join the real world.
Over Christmas I thought I'd tackle one of those hidden ideas in the warmth and guidance of my sweet mom's sewing room.  I saw a tutorial on making crinkly taggie blankets and wanted to start whipping them out as gifts.  We did finally get one made.  Actually, my mom made one after my third attempt of having to rip the seams out yet again.  I think next time I'll pull up the tutorial and make sure I have the layers in the correct order first rather than try to make it from memory.  :)
Here is the final project. 

I am saving the wipes' bags still because I plan on making more.   Any other ideas on how to reuse those crinkly wipes bags?

PKS: Sketch Challenge #43

Today I needed to make a thank you card for a dear friend.  While browsing the blogs I saw that Peachy Keen Stamps was having a sketch challenge.  GREAT!  I can use their sketch idea to make my card.  Thanks PK for designing the layout for me.  ;)

I used my new Gypsy to design the cut.  I sooo love being able to put all the paper down and do one pass through cut.  So far that is my favorite feature.  I know most of the blogs give you the recipe for the materials they used but I honestly have no idea about paper and ribbon brands.  Maybe when I buy new supplies I'll keep better track.

Also entered:
Really Reasonable Ribbon
Paper Sundaes Challenge #51

Goals for the New Year

I didn't plan on making any resolutions for the year but as I sat there thinking on my birthday I decided goals would be good.  It is always good for me to have something to strive towards so I came up with five things to work on this year.

1. Do some sort of craft projects 5x/month.  (emotionally uplifting)
2. Read the Bible through.  (spiritual)
3. Spend 15 minutes a day on some form of home improvement.  (home life)
4. Continue excercising to reach weight goal.  (physical)
5. Find ways to encourage/ minister to others at least once a month. (others)

Those are my plans.  As of day 5 so far so good.  What are your goals this year?

First Gypsy Project

I couldn't wait to try out my new Gypsy.  First, I had to register and update it.  That took me TWO HOURS!  Two hours of precious crafting time... but it is done.  I decided my first project needed to be a thank you card to my generous MIL.  After poking around with all the buttons on the machine I was able to cut only the parts of the image I wanted and also lay out the various papers on the mat so I could cut once.  AMAZING.  LOVE IT! 

I still have lots to figure out but this is the best invention.  I love that it stores all the carts on it so I don't have to change them out... when I get to fancy designing.  But now I know which carts I own even if I'm not home.  And let me just applaud Provocraft for their slick marketing trick.  ALL the carts are on the Gypsy so you can design layouts with them.  The trick is you can't CUT without owning them.  Pretty good sales pitch... get you hooked on the cart before you even own it.  ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Wow, 40!  My BFF and I do birthday weeks except when the birthday ends in a zero.  That calls for a month long celebration!  That means I get to indulge in little treats all month.  Makes the big birthdays a lot more fun to look forward to rather than dread.  Still, I don't feel 40... however 40 feels.  Today was fabulous!  I went and got a massage.  I even scheduled another one in a couple of weeks!  :)  I received some unexpected flowers from a dear friend and I GOT A GYPSY!!!  I have the best mother-in-law who spoils me rotten.  I mentioned wanting one to save paper on the cricut and she bought it for me.  I am so excited about all the things yet to be made.  2011 will be a GREAT crafting year!!!