Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to Yours

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. Philippians 4:12 HCSB

On this day when we gather as a nation to count our blessings, I'm reminded how blessed I am every day thanks to the grace of God and Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Enjoy your day with your family and friends, safe travels and good food.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

7 random facts about right now

1.

I.Heart.Pinterest. 

I’m happily ‘pinning’ all kinds of fun things.

Like this print…

that I decided to purchase for my bathroom.

2.

I’ve discovered the joys of cleaning with baking soda. 

It’s amazing.

Scrubs the tub even better than that smelly stuff in a green tube.

Takes random spray paint off a mirror that may or may not have been taped well.

Cleans the front of the fridge to a shiny white.

3.

I’ve started using CleanMomma’s Printables.

I’m hoping her checklists, forms and lists will help me get my act together. 

This is my household notebook (and blogging and etsy and kids’ school info…)

4.

Ashley and I’ve teamed up to do lots of freezer cooking. 

We are loving this book.

Basically, she makes two dishes and I make two dishes and we share!

5.

Canning. 

Why do things need to be preserved when it’s 212 99 degrees outside? 

I’ve put up tomatoes, pickles and grape jelly.

6.

I’m stalking her website.

Yep.  After 2 widely successful Lisette patterns, Lisel is my new hero!

I can’t wait until she tells us about her new fabrics and fall patterns.
(edited 1:20pm, July 13:  She just blogged about new fabrics.  They are awesome!)

7.

Christmas is 166 days away.

Seriously.

Adriane and I are going to try to tackle it in pieces this year with the help of Organized Christmas,

We’re doing Holiday Grand Plan that starts in August.  We’ll see how it goes.

That’s it.  That’s 7.

I’ll tell you about my garden next time.

Giving Thanks for…

life. Jesus Christ. grace and mercy. adam. addie. topher. creativity. music. dogwood blossoms. mom and dad. my health. the freedom to worship. paved streets and running water. our church family. susan and sarah. my sewing machine. satsuma trees. friends that get me. friends that don’t get me and love me anyway. the creativity of my children. facebook (sad, but true). my in-laws. an incredible elementary school with teachers who love my child. nita. rose bushes that bloom in the fall. a favorite football team (win or lose, though winning is great). jane. ashley and ashley. my Bible. encouraging phone calls from friends and family. good books. teaching sewing. a full pantry. brainstorms. hot coffee. cars that run. teaching swimming. a safe home. BG’s reading ability and LM beginning to sound out words (such precious sounds). little jobs that mean i don’t have to get a real one. random funny text messages. creative aunts and witty uncles. the generosity of others. the wisdom of a few. a cup of tea. sock puppet shows and silly stories. doc. rex. coupons. past opportunities to grow. lsmsa. obu. friends and family who have died but left me with lessons and wisdom and memories. this blog and all my blogging friends who leave comments. second chances. jokes that really make me lol. rainy days. sunshine. hand-me downs. snuggles with my children. popcorn and movies. quiet moments to stop and reflect. crazy moments when Christ calms me. sad moments when Christ lifts me up. struggling moments when Christ carries me.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

Book Review: Little Retro Aprons for Kids

Little Retro Aprons for Kids
by Cindy Taylor Oates
published in 2007 by Taylor Made Designs
A link on Amazon

Contents:
General Instructions
7 Children's Aprons
1 Doll Apron
Master Pattern Sheet

I liked:

• The whole book--particularly aprons A-3 and B.
• The butcher aprons (Patterns A-1, A-2, and A-3) have adjustable straps that pull through loops to tie in the back, rather than a tacked neck strap and separate ties.
• The General Instructions are very thorough and designed for even the most beginner sewers (for example, the first set of instructions is "Tracing Your Pattern").

Dislikes:

None really.


Conclusion: This is the cutest book of patterns! I love creating aprons for gifts and these are so simple! The doll apron is designed for an 18 inch doll (and perfect for Kit K. who came to live with us this Christmas). The best part of these aprons--the flexibility! You can have fun with fabrics, embroider, and change out elements. This book would be a great addition to your library if you have little people to sew for.

The purple and yellow apron pictured above was made for a 4-year-old friend. I used pattern A-3, but I only used 1 ruffle. The size 4 was so small that the 3 ruffles originally in the pattern were too much.

Giving Thanks!

Counting My Blessings:

My salvation through Jesus Christ.

My husband who encourages and supports me.

The kids who are the most brilliant, creative beings.

My parents and parents-in-law, my sisters, and the rest of the gang.

Jane, Ashley, and Ashley.

And their little ones who my little ones love.

My imagination and creativity.

A warm home with plenty to eat.

Wonderful neighbors (Happy Belated Birthday Pam!).

Living in a country where I can speak up about

right and wrong and tell others, without shame, of my Source of joy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Reivew: Sewing for Your Home

Better Homes and Gardens Sewing for Your Home

Published by Meredith Corp.

Published in 1974
ASIN: B00161VWBI

Some Chapter Headings:
Colors and Fabrics
Window Fashions-A Decorating Asset
How to Make Pillows and Cushions
Room Dividers and Wall Hangings
Children's Rooms are Special

I liked:

• The nice explanation of special cutting circumstances like fabrics with a pile, one-directional designs, or plaids.
• The sliding fabric panels on page 73. I love these! You'd have to see them, but basically the fabric panels attach to sliding tracks and essential create the impression of a fabric wall when closed.
• The introduction to quilting.
• The folding chairs that are made of 3 covered cushions that are hinged together. They can fold into cubes, chairs, lounges or mattresses.

My dislikes:

• Not really any. I suppose that's because the decor ideas are what I expected out of an early '70s book.

Conclusion:
All that's old is new again--well almost! If you are looking for a great home dec reference, this is it. This book includes great tables and diagrams for measuring and creating lots of basic, timeless home dec pieces: pillows, bedspreads, table runners, slipcovers, etc. I must also add that the chapter in color is wonderful with discussions and examples of rooms done in various color schemes.

And, for an added plus, if you're looking for some great ideas that translate into wonderful retro and modern ideas, a book published in the early 70s just might be the ticket!

Would I buy this book for myself?
Probably not, but as I "inherited" it, I'm glad it's in my collection.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?
An old book is a great, and usually cheap, reference for a beginner. Somethings, like how to measure your windows, never change, making a book from a different decade, just as applicable.

Mini-facelift for the House--Part 2

My sweet hubby painted the front door today.

Look at that shiny kick plate. Lots and lots of elbow grease there.

Next up, the trim, carport and ugly metalwork columns in "Modest Silver".

Mini-facelift for the House--Part 1

Here are the newly panted shutters. I think I like the blue.

Now, I have to decided on the trim color. Here's the "Modest Silver" that I'm thinking about...