Our Family is Spcial!

Written and Illustrated by my first grader! I love the reasons why our family is spcial to her!

My New *HOT* Wheels!!!

NO!! This is NOT what I am talking about!!

It all started about 16 years ago...........when I started dating my cute husband. We went on a blind date. He was jaw dropping GORGEOUS...and he had a HOT car!

It was a black, 1986 Nissan Pulsar...with a sun roof (and no AC)

Huzz had thick dark brown hair, blue-green eyes, and he would flex his muscles whenever I would take his arm.

Now...blast forward with me...16 years and 6 kids later!!

Sports cars are a thing of the past. Our vehicle options are limited to those that seat 8 or more.

We bought this HOT little (ummmm...barely fits in the garage) sweetie!!

I'd like to introduce you to Bob the Burb! Our "new" 2004 BLACK Chevrolet Suburban! He seats eight comfortably....and he has a DVD Player!!!! Our lives will never be the same!!! Thank you Utah Auto Sales, and your UBER friendly staff (including My brother, and My sis-in-law)!!

The Cleaning Day Success......?????

I know that you are all wondering...waiting....wanting to hear all about my BIG CLEANING DAY!!

I'm sure that you are waiting for me to recount stories of my valiant battles with the mold monster that is growing in the back of the fridge. How, with a feather duster, I managed to eradicate an entire Dust Rhino colony! That even the "racing stripes", in the boys undies, were no match for my masterful cleaning prowess!!!!.........Well, it would all be a terrible lie!

My day got off to a grand start! I took everything out of the coat closet (amazing how much stuff it can hold) and started organizing. I found around 20 pairs of shoes that I'm not sure where they came from, or if they fit anyone in my house. Maybe my closet is a secret portal for lost shoes??

Huzz called, while I was in the middle of this mess, to tell me about a "Great Deal!!" he had heard the girls at work talking about. There was a huge sale on cereal at Albertsons !!

Long story shortened.......

We are now the proud owners of a storage room full of sugary goodness! (This should last us a week...maybe three!! )

The cleaning streak was irrevocably undone! You can't clean after a super shopping BUZZ!

So, I made the Japanese Knotted Bag I blogged a few days ago.

That is a fun bag to make! Super easy tutorial too!!

Then I put the baby down for a nap, and painted some more.... I had to give the twins the hidden "lite brite" I had been saving for such an occasion. I hoped that it would make them happy...and quiet.....and NOT bug me! Didn't work!
I had to break up so many fights that my acrylics dried!!!

Gertie came home from school and had to play me the Irish Jig she had learned today. It sounded so good...I was really shocked!! She looked gorgeous playing it too, so I snapped her picture!
This is Smitty reading his book. We had to go to parent teacher conferences tonight. He is doing so well in school that his teacher worries about him getting bored. She is going to have him help her teach math over the next few weeks. The kid is amazing!!! *beaming* He is SO much smarter than both of his parents......frightening!! He is seated on my NEW COUCH!!! It looks wet, or cammo, but it is made of micro-fiber! The downside to this fabric is that after you sit on the couch...you leave an impression on the fabric...of your butt...and how big it really is....not cool!!!

Does anyone know of a pattern for a cute Prom Wristlet Bag?? Trisha Too needs one!

Hope today will be much cleaner......Would you like a bowl of cereal???

Before The Dust Bunnies Eat Us!!!

Not sure who these lovely ladies are, but I wish they would come visit today! I have to give in, quit trying to do crafty things....and clean my messy house.

The laundry is starting to creep down the hall, and the kids only have P.J.'s left to wear to school tomorrow!! O.K, that is not quite true. They have those really strange color combo outfits that their Dad insists on dressing them in on the weekends, or when I'm sick and can't stop him. (once he put my cutie girl in Cammo pants, and a striped shirt...eeeeaaakkkk!!!)

I'll be back tomorrow....unless I get the Haunta Virus...or worse!!

What to do??

Here are the Wonky's in progress. I still need to put zippers in two of them. I've been using this tutorial, from twelve22 to help with the zips.

I wanted to start a Japanese knot...but I am out of black ink...can't print the pattern!!!

aaarrrrgggghhhhhh!! (said in my best Charlie Brown voice!)

So!!! Instead of sewing I got out my new acrylic paints,

and brushes,

and the "portrait" canvas......

.....and started to paint a picture of my nephew Colton.
There was not much of my crafting day left, so I hurried to get the first layers down.
I am sure that there will be many layers before it looks like him.

At his funeral, my 10 year old was a pall bearer, and my 3 and 4 year old were honorary pall bearers. I let told them the news the night before the services. When the four year old was getting his clothes on the next morning, he told his sisters that, "today I get to be a polar bear!!" Colton would have laughed about that!!!

Japanese Knot Bag

I have been seeing these cute bags everywhere, and have wanted to make one!

This morning, while checking out Some of a Kind's blog, I saw this one.....and the link to the tute for it at Show Your Workings. These are both great crafting sites that you need to check out (if you haven't already).

I'm going to make a Knot bag today....after I finish my other projects. I kind of got hooked making those felt Wonky Bags (Mom, wonky means not square...or off a little ...like me....) I have probably made 6 or more of them this week!!

I need to start sewing some spring outfits FOR ME. I keep finding cute things to make for my girls....like they need more clothes! I, alas, am too FAT for my clothes (Darn those Cadburry eggs)!!!

Hope you are all having a great spring day!!!

Easter Morning

I love these kids!

Wonky Bag

This is my Wonky-Wool Felt- Zippered Pouch.

It makes me giggle a little, I'm not sure why......

I lined it with bird fabric

and signed "Lola" on the back.

Tutorial Thursday!!

Yesterday I ran across some fun new tutes! Photo taken from Lila Tueller Designs
The first one is for an strip work onesie dress by Lila Tueller. Her website is beautiful, and so are her new designs for Moda Fabrics!! The other thing I love about Lila is that she is the Mother of Seven kids! (makes my six sound manageable!)

I found out about this next tutorial, and free pattern, from Wondermommy. The pattern is for the She loves me, she loves me knot handbag, from You can make this. It is free through th 21st of March....so hurry and download it today!!

This last one is for a funny little bunny from The Purl Bee......Who couldn't use a few of these cuties???? I've got a lot of new projects!!! Gotta get sewing!!!

Sewing Wallet

I found this pattern in an old Fons and Porter magazine. It is a sewing wallet...you know...to keep your embroidery scissors, needles, thimble, and thread in.

The Scissors go in the little heart sheath in the center, and the blue thing is to keep a seam ripper in. I think I will add a ribbon to keep the scissors from falling out, and probably one for the seam ripper too!

Fusing Plastic Bags!

I'm not Irish, but here is something "Green" for St. Patricks day!

Etsy Labs has a tutorial on fusing plastic bags, and some ideas of what you can do with the "fabric" that you have made.

I haven't tried this yet, but I think it would be fun to make a make-up bag.....or something...???

Colton

My sweet nephew passed away tonight. We were able to be with him shortly after he died. It was a deeply sacred and peaceful time as we celebrated his life. He was such a good kid, so we are sad for us....those of us left behind. We know where he is, and we know that we will be together again.

Thanks to all of you who sent prayers, and good thoughts our way as he suffered in the hospital for 11 days. That strength is what is helping us go forward now.

Another Project

I thought this was a super tutorial by Mudmuffins and Woogiemonsters!

It is for a cute checkbook cover.

I made one to go with my Jenny bag and I LOVE how it turned out!

Huzz is a little embarrassed when he has to take the checkbook now.

Maybe it will keep him from spending "My" money! (Heh heh)

Our home has finally been hit with Influenza. It should be a LONG week!

Hopefully, more exciting posts soon!

Toe Rings

Why my daughter's hair scrunchies smell like feet!

Woot!! Woot!! Jenny's!

Mindy, from Bits and Odd Pieces of Mindy's Kingdom, just finished this beauty. She say's she made it a little bigger because she hauls around a lot more stuff than the average Jenny!

This bag was made by Stacey at Libby & co. That fabric is so Fun!

Kathleen Merry used upholstry fabric for her Jenny. I like the shape it gives the bag!


Design My World made this Jenny with 3 different fabrics! I love the stripes with the floral!


I am love to see what you've all done with the pattern. Please keep the pictures coming!!!
Here's hoping for a better, good news filled, less "eventful" week!!

Garden Swap Love!!

I got happy mail today!

I was so excited to open this package from my Garden Swap partner, Kim!

Upon opening it I felt so spoiled by her!

The most darling magazine holder full of Garden magazines tied in ribbon, lovely Thank you cards, and the most wonderful handmade..handbound (by Kim) books!

I am floored! I am thrilled! I am inspired!!

Thanks so much, Kim! I don't have your email, or blog addy........but, Thanks!!!

You are so SWEET!

My Nephew is doing a little bit better today. I think we will continue to see baby steps for weeks to come! Thanks to all for your love and prayers! I will email you soon!!!

What you believe....

This is my 15 year old nephew Colton. He's In the ICU tonight, and we are glad that he is there because we have almost lost him several times over the last 4 days.

I believe in the power of Faith and Prayer. I believe in miracles. I have a story of a miracle that happened today that may have saved Coltons life. I will have to tell you about it soon, when my head is a little more clear; we haven't slept in days, and my baby has ear infection so I'm not sure how soon I'll be sleeping again.

Colton is not out of the woods by a long shot, so please keep him in your prayers. I know that prayers are heard, and answered! I am thankful for all of your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. I feel very blessed, and thank Heaven for all miracles.

Jenny's by you!!!

It has been so exciting, the last few weeks, to be blog surfing and stumble across my Jenny bag.

She is just such a fun little sweetie!

I am happy to see that people are actually using the pattern (however roughly sketched it is......It was my first attempt at pdf OK!!! Gosh!)

It was completely thrilling to see it on Sew Mama Sew today!! (Thanks Ladies)

I am addicted to that blog, and all of the tutorials!!

This cute "Jenny" was sewn by Cosias de Gato. The fabric she used is such a great print!

This variation was done by Life is good. I love the button closure, and the mix of fabrics! It makes me want to make a few more!!!

I would LOVE to see your Jenny bags!!! Let me know when you try the tute, or if you have any questions or suggestions! Thanks!!!

Something to do while you wait.....

This sculpture by Nnamdi Okonkwo of Orem, Utah

So! We've been spending a lot of time in the ICU waiting room the last few days.
There isn't much to do there!
The magazines are old and strange. One of them is called The Furrow.
I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with sewing!
I have eaten one of everything in the candy machine too....

"I'm sorry Lola, you are NOT the biggest loser!"

My nephew is doing the littlest bit better tonight, but we are in this for the long haul-weeks, maybe months!
It is time to come up with a list of things to do (besides snack) in the waiting room!


1-bind a quilt! Maybe I'll get the one bound that has been hanging in my sewing room for about a year.


2-Start an embroidery project. Have you seen the free patterns for Pleasant Kitchen Dishtowels by Posie gets cozy? (I think I saw some Flour Sack towels at Walmart the other day)


3-Make some Thank You cards for all of the people that are helping the family out right now! How about Orange has several card downloads. This is my favorite!


4-Journal the experience for Colton. I started writing down a feew details tonight; people that came by and called, funny things that happened, stats, that Alex can fit 25 fries in his mouth before the pregnant woman in the room gets sick......


I am open to suggestions.....if you have any handwork that you need done.......I'm free.......


Thank you to everyone for sending thoughts and prayers our way. They are very much appreciated!

Carrot???

Looking for another cute Spring craft? Here is a Carrot plushie pattern from Etsy labs.

Just a little idea to get those creative juices flowing!

My posting my be a little sporadic for the next few weeks. My nephew is in critical condition in the ICU. He got the flu which turned into pneumonia, then sepsis and ards. He is 15 years old and generally healthy, so this is quite a shock. One lung is full of infection, and the other is full of fluid. They have him on a respirator...and so many tubes....and IVs. It is hard to see him like this. We are a very close family. We all live within 15 miles of each other, so we are always together. If you are the praying kind, or even if you aren't, send prayers and good thoughts to Colton! Thanks!!! (((Big Hug)))

Bunny Baby Pattern

I am tired of Winter and ready for Spring Crafting to start.

Today I made a little Spring goodie to share!

It could even be a fun Easter Craft to put in your Easter Baskets.

This little felt egg holds a fun surprise.

Turn it over and there is a Bitty Baby Bunny sleeping inside.

My 7 year old loves her new baby bunny so much that she has thanked me 3 times!

Too cute!

I am still trying to figure out this pdf. or whatever it is
I think you can Download the pattern and instructions here!
Happy spring/easter/felt crafting!

Momma's Boys!

I have nightmares about this sometimes!

If you didn't have an account with Picnik before you really need to get one now!

Picnik is a photo editing service! It's like Photo shop for Dummies...or people like me.

It had a free basic service and some "premium" features for the paying customers.

Now it is all FREE!!

You can join in the fun of disfiguring your children.....for free!!

This is the original picture before its dramatic transformation...

Notice how lovely the boys haircuts are! I bought a pair of clippers, and channeling Grandpa Hill, I gave them all a summer buzz! ( It snowed tonight...)