Paper Peicing

Oh what fun it is to see what you can create. All you have to do is find a picture you like print it and cut it up. Make sure you write on them what they are so you know were they go .

Quilling

I was playing around and found out quilling was lots of fun. Here are a couple things I made.
There are lots of places online that shows you how to do it. Here is one I just found http://quilling.blogspot.com/2006/09/quilling-basics-getting-started.html . Have fun and please share if you make anything.

LO Share

Here are a couple pages I did last year. The kids love the outdoors.

Simple Card

I made this last year, but I wanted to share how simple it was to make.
All I did was stamp and ink the card, put a flower on it, and wrote love out of wire.

Cleaning My House

Decluttering my house is not going well. With dh home more, and it seems like the kids are home more to. I'm not looking forward to summer when the kids are home all the time and I won't be getting nothing done except outside things.

I am looking forward to going to camp and on vacation, so I know I need to do something around here now. I have started exercising at 10 am, I'm trying to do it everyday (2 weeks now and my but is hurting lol) and I'm trying to get my house all cleaned before I do it. That way I can get my shower afterwards, relax and spend time on the computer until my family gets home.

So when Monday gets here I'm going to add another thing to my routine and that is clean one hot spot a day or if its a big one it might take more. I will work on it everyday until it is done. Then I can feel good about myself I do feel good about exercising but I no I will even feel better with a cleaner house.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

2 More LO Shares

Page 1

Page 2

There are still 2 more pages to come, as soon as I get them done I will post them.

Altered Book (Valentines Day)

Here is a book I made for my dh last year for Valentimes day.

Front and back cover.

page 1 and 2
pages 2 and 3.

Coffee Filters ..who knew! Not just for making coffee....

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffeefilters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free sothey'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffeefilter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when openinga wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in theskillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sievelined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffeefilter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messyfoods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant potwith a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through thedrainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as neededin a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use stripsof coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries,chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

I got this from PA Cafe

Recycled Walker-Wheelchair Bags.

My grandmother has started useing a walker and I have seen others that have bags on them so they can carry anything they need with them. I found these bags and fell in love with them because they are made out of the plastic bags that we all collect. Here is the Patteran for them. http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/10/13/wheelchair-walker-tote-bag/
Have fun

Great Site for Gift Ideas

I was looking around for ever and got many ideas. Thanks Shawna for finding it for me. I hope you find lots of gift ideas.


http://www.layersuponlayers.com/winter-project-round-up-from-our-archives/

How To Make, Beanies, Ponchos, Mittens, Threadbanger

This would be so cool to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=582z7Za98nM

Snow Snow Snow

Here is some pictures of Miya shoveling the sidewalk. I wished they stayed young and wanting to help for a long time. These were taken 1-13-2009

Layout Share.

These layouts are from are family vacation in 2007. I have at least 4 more to do.
Sorry about the camera flash.

Playing with Photos

Here is a a couple photos I played around with in Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9. I'm not that good at it but I do have fun when I find the time.

Week 1 of Decluttering is now Week 2

I didn't get my kitchen done so I can't move on to another room, but you can.

Remember if you have to second guess it pitch it.

Digital Scrapping

I had alot of fun making a couple digital layouts. I don't think I would want to do it all the time because I want to see my layouts anytime. I did it in Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9.

Cruise Layouts (Liberty of The Seas)

I got 5 layouts done and I have alot more to do. I will share more when there done.

Another Card

I have been having fun working on the cards. I hope I find time to do more.
Thanks Scrapbooklane for the fun card challenges.

Card Crop

I had lots of fun making four cards. I hope this gets me back into scrapbooking.

I used old Christmas cards to make this card.

My Snowmen colection is Growing 2008

The little trees bells (decorations) have snowmen faces painted on them to.

Alan got me these. There all metal except the tree of cource.

I'm Behind

Its Wednesday and I haven't even started in my kitchen, but I did get all my Christmas stuff down and put away except my snowmen.

I'm hoping to get some more done tomorrow morning and do some scraping in the afternoon.

Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at the moment.
Robert Benchley

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are so much fun to make and you can save money making them. Buy all year from the clearance isles, watch for things to go on sale, or make everything in the basket.

You can go with any theme a person likes. You don't have to pick a basket to put everything in either, you can get a bucket, hat, flower pot, even a pan so they can cook the soup mix that you put inside it.

So start with a list of people you got to buy for, what do they like to do.

Examples:

Gardening- flower pot, seeds (look at the dates), gloves, hat, shovel, spade, garden statue, live flowers, etc.

Tea and Hot Chocolate- tea pot, mugs, tea bags, hot chocolate, and don't for get the marsh mellows.

Cleaners for there Vehicle

If you search Gift Baskets online you will find hundreds of ideas.

Have fun shopping and making things.

Decluttering My House

I'm sitting here telling myself I need to declutter, but that means I need to add something to my list of things I got to do everyday. Oh when will house cleaning ever be done???

I know it will never be done, but decluttering will help me be able to find things easier, enjoy playing with the kids, reading a book, or going to my scrap room to play. I will reward myself with things I enjoy doing.

So get out the garbage bags and start decluttering.

1. Pick one room a week or maybe for as long as it takes to get it cleaned, don't over whelm yourself it will make you walk away and never get it done.
2. Look around and find the area that needs your help the most.
3. If you don't use it pitch it, ask your friends and family if they need it, take it to goodwill.
4. Separate everything as you go- burn, shredded, friend, etc.
5. At the end of everyday if there are things you can burn or put in the garbage or find a new home for do it. It will make the biggest difference
6. Don't forget to look and see what you have done and pat yourself on the back.

These are my goals for decluttering.

Tell me what yours are and maybe it will help me out.

Decluttering my Kitchen Week 1

As I was doing my dishes I looked around my kitchen and I thought where did all my counter space go. I don't have allot of it, but what I have I need to use. Cleaning it is another story because I don't like wiping everything off all the time and moving it to clean under it. If you have a house like mine I'm not the only one that cooks and the other once that cook don't think about making a mess because they don't clean it.

So here is what I'm going to do:

1. Clean my counters

The appliances that I don't use once a week are finding a new home or getting put under the steps on the shelf. They will be easy to get to when I need them.

2. Clean inside of my cupboards.

Get rid of unused, broken, chipped cups, plates, plastic containers, etc.

3. Clean stove, fridge, and microwave.

Don't forget the Windex it will make it shine.

4. Clean the outside of my cabinets.

5. Scrub my floor on my hands and knees.

The kids like doing this maybe they will help.

I hope I find my kitchen .

Oh I forgot to tell you the reason I picked my kitchen is I got a bread maker for Christmas and the bread taste so good, but I don't have room for it on my counter. If you have any good recipes please pass them on. I know my family would love to try them.

Christmas 2008

Christmas morning started at 7:30. I was shocked the kids slept that long. Everyone seemed to like everything. I didn't have to take anything back so me and Santa must have done good.

Paint Stirring Snowmen

Supplies:
1 paint-stirring stick
Tempera paint; white, black and orange
Strip of Christmas or winter fabric for the scarf
Blush make-up for the cheeks
Small strip of thin wood for the hat brim
Hot glue gun or Elmer's glue
Heavy string or yarn to hang ornament
Bit of greenery or a bell for hat decoration


Instructions:
Using a clean new stirring stick, paint the majority of the stick white, leaving some space at the top to paint black for the hat.
Paint the top of the stick and small strip of wood black.
When all the paint has completely dried, glue the black strip of wood to the hat.
Use the Tempera paint to make the face and buttons.
Tie the material around the narrowest part of the stick, which is the neck of the snowman.
OPTIONAL: Glue some decorative greenery, holly, or bell to the hat.
Glue the yarn to the back of the hat forming a hanging loop.
Let dry overnight.

http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/ys/crafts/snowman.htm

Please colgon take me away

Oh what a day. the kids are driving me nuts my house needs put back together

When will school Start

I hope everyone is having more fun then me.

One thing I'm am thankful for is no one is sick today. The stomach virus started the last day of school and ended yesterday. All 7 of us got it. Yuck remember to take your vitimans and drink lots of fluids.

Monday I will be getting back to were I was before Christmas, plus adding things to this years schedule.

So if there is anyone out there that would love to declutter there house please join me and let me know I'm not the only one that has junk.

Touch of Snow Bookmark

I have not tried this yet but I would like to. Please share if you do.

TOUCH OF SNOW BOOKMARK

1 Ball of knit cro sheen (225 Yd ball) color of your choic Or white will make several Bookmarks.
1 Size 6 crochet hook
1 Stiffener
size 9" long (snowflake is 2" in diameter
gauge: over sc 8 sts=1"
ch4, join w/slst to form ring
rnd 1: ch3, 13dc in ring-14 dc, counting beg ch3 as one dc. join w/slst to top of beg ch3
rnd 2: ch1, sc in same st as join, ch4, *sk next st, sc in next st, ch4, rep from * around, join w/slst to beg sc-7 lps
rnd 3: (sc, hdc, 2hdc, sc) in each lp around, join w/slst in first sc
rnd 4: ch1, sc in same st as join, *ch4, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, rep from * around, end ch4, join w/slst in first sc-14 lps
rnd 5: rep rnd 3. do not fasten off.
rnd 6 (tail): ch 48, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 46 ch, join w/slst in first sc of rnd 5. fasten off.
tassel:
cut 11 3" strands of thread and 2 6" strands. tie 11 3" strands in center with one 6" strand and tie ends of 6" strand to end of tail. fold strands in half and wind second 6" strand several times around tassel 1/2" below fold and tie in knot. trim ends evenly. tie tassel to end of tail. starch lightly.

http://www.mkdesigner.com/c-sno-bm.html

Snowman ornament

Oh I love it and I even have everything here to make it.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowpeople/ss/gbsnowman.htm

Please send me a link if you make one.

New Years Eve

What will I do in 2009 that I didn't do in 2008? Hmm

1. Well one thing is I am going to try to pull my family back together. There is allot that happened in 2008 that I would like to forget but at that same time they were learning experience's that I wouldn't want to do with out or again.
2. I would like to spend as much time with my parents as I can.
3. Go to camp more.
4. Take the kids to the park more.
5. Work on my Christmas goals
6. Go away for a weekend with dh.
7. and of cource I would like to shed some pounds.

What goals do you have?

Snowman craft

This is so cute and adorable.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowpeople/ss/buttonsnowman.htm

If you make it please share picture.

For the person that Loves Snowmen

Here is a really cute outside snowman.

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=12097&campaign-NLC-NL_Wkdr&link=Feature%20Photo

After Christmas Goals

Christmas is over and I wish it wasn't. I love to give to others and see there faces light up. I have goals I would like to set for Christmas next year and there is no better time but the present to start on them. I will need you to help so if you have any ideas to help me please pass them on to me.

Here is what I want to do.

1. I would like to be able to help one other child have a great Christmas morning.
2. I would like to make more gifts.
3. Start my Christmas shopping in Feb.
4. Start decorating my house begining of Nov.
5. Get my Christmas cards made before Nov.

I don't feel like I have pressured myself at all. Do you have any goals you would like to do for Christmas 2009?

My Christmas Letter

This year Christmas is a little different around here. We didn't have the money to buy alot of gifts but we have the love to share and that is more inportant then any gift.

There are loved once that are not able to be here with us but they are here in are hearts.

At Christmas time there are know rules, you make the best out of what you have. We have are family and friends and we are the lucky once to have each other.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Tree 2008

Decorating the tree is always fun with the kids.
This year Alan cut the tree down, put it in the stand and brought it in the house.
The kids were so excited, they couldn't wait.
I put the lights and the beads on it.
And here is the kids having fun.

Holiday Tip

Tempted to give your teens gift cards?
Go one better: take them shopping.
They'll get what they want, and more importantly, you'll get time together.

http://www.bhg.com/

Holiday Tip

Use lighter-colored cookie sheets to keep cookie bottoms from over-browning. Or, line dark cookie sheets with parchment paper.

http://www.bhg.com/

Holiday Tip

Is it looking fabulous? Take a photo. You can use your photos next year as a guide for what worked beautifully, and what you might want to tweak.

www.bhg.com

Holiday Tip

Make sure you got all your batteries and film for your cameras and toys.

Christmas Concert

We had a great afternoon watching the kids sing. They put so much work into learning there songs.

Holiday Tip

Add a personal touch to your decor by stringing your prettiest holiday cards on bright ribbon and draping over chair backs, along mantels, or over doorways.

www.bhg.com

Holiday Tip

Add a sweet family touch to gifts:
pick up plain wrapping paper and let your kids decorate it with drawings, cutouts, stamps, and glued-on pom-poms.

www.bhg.com

Make a Snow Flake

http://snowflake.bhg.com/?sssdmh=dm17.351879&esrc=nwwr25_09&email=847010344

Christmas Tree

Today is the day we get ready to get the big Christmas tree.

Three years ago today we adopted 3 wonderful children. On that same day we try are hardest to get are tree and have pizza while we decorate it. It is always a fun day and its a day we all don't want to forget.

Young Children always bring so much joy to Christmas. All the other children are grow so what a joy to have the chance to start over again.

I Love You Guys

The Day We Adopted You
Submitted by: akr7677
Author: Unknown

If we had it to do over again
Adoption is what we'd choose
We got more than we had hoped for
The day we adopted you
For you have given us more in life
Than we could ever want or need
You made our house into a home
And made our family complete
We love you more than life itself for all the things you say and do
And if we had it to do over again
You'd be the only one we'd choose.

No-Waste Gift-Wrapping Ideas

• Wrap the gift in a drawstring bag and use an inexpensive luggage tag for the gift tag.
• Decorate oversized gifts with just a bow that can be used again.
• Put toy animals in a cowboy hat and wrap a cowboy scarf around it.
• Use a jewelry box for some flea market 'jewels.'
• Use a knit hat to wrap a small gift. Close the hat with a barrette or a decorative hat pin.
• Games or toys for a child can go in a new backpack designed pillow case.
• For a person who is handy, wrap a gift in a tool box.
• Put blouses and other gifts in decorative hat boxes and tie with a hair ribbon.
• For the sewing enthusiast, wrap a gift in a fabric remnant and tie it with a piece of lace or ribbon.
• Any kitchen gift can be wrapped in a colorful dish towel. Kitchen utensils can pop out of an oven mitt.
• Place home-baked cookies in a reusable tin box, a kitchen container, or a decorated oatmeal box.
• Use a colorful tablecloth to wrap dishes or dining room gifts.
• For a reader, wrap a book in a reusable canvas shopping sack.
• Wrap tools for a gardener in the pocket of an apron, planter, or bucket.
• Hang earrings, bracelets, or necklaces right on the Christmas tree, or put them inside or around an open ornament.
• Search the flea market, garage sales, and thrift stores for interesting old boxes that can be used as decorative packages.
• Search the attic for old family photos and mementos and give them to your favorite relative wrapped in grandma's old hat and a lace curtain.
• Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift shops often have good prices on leftover holiday wrapping paper.
• Purchase gift bags from your local dollar stores and reuse them each year.
• Used, but attractive, gift baskets are often offered at local thrift shops.
• Christmas-theme fabric, with Velcro strips attached, can become reusable holiday wrap.

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/publiced/holidays/NoWaste.htm

Oyster Cracker

Fun snack to make with the kids.

2 bags of oyster crackers
1 package of dry ranch dressing
a dash of dill (to taste)
a dash of garlic powder ( to taste)
1 cup of oil

Mix all ingredients in large bowl

Cinnamon and Pie Crust

My kids call these poptarts.

All you need is to make a pie crust, roll it out, cut into rectangles
put butter, cinnamon, and sugar on half of it
the other half is to cover the butter, cinnamon, and sugar
use a fork to seal the edges and bake until brown.

Its make a good breakfast or snack.

Biblical Birth-day Verse

http://www.mybirthverse.com/

Mine is:

Matthew 5:9 NIVBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes:

4 large sweet potatoes peedled and sliced (my father gives me his sweet potatoes and when I say large, I mean large)

3 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and cubed (or your favorite sweet baking apples)

1/4 lb butter melted
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c apple juice (I just use water)
1 t. cinnamon1/2 t. nutmeg (optional)

The Recipe says:

Layer sweet potatoes and apples in slow cooker. Mix melted butter and brown sugar, spoon over the top of the sweet potatoes and apples. Pour the apple juice or water over the entire mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cook on low 6 to 8 hours.

Stir and serve.

I admit it - I'm lazy when it comes to cooking - and I like quick recipes without a lot of prep time so I usually don't bother melting the butter and mixing it with the sugar, I just cut up the butter and put it, the brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the layered sweet potatoes and apples, pour the water in and stir everything about 1/2 way through cooking. My crock pot has a low, high and autoshift setting (the setting I use) so my cook time is about 4 hours. It comes out like a dark apple sauce and can be eaten hot or cold. My boys eat this as a side dish, I have a small serving in place of my desert.

Recipe by dcfrances (Butlercafe)

OVER NIGHT SWEET ROLLS

6 pm, mix together
½ cup lukewarm water
2 tsp sugar
2 pg dry yeast

Let mix and stand for 10 minutes

Add 4 cups lukewarm water
1 ½ cup sugar
1 egg
3 tsp. Salt
1 cup oil or melted margarine
15 cups flour

Knead 8 to 10 minutes

Place in greased bowl, cover & set aside
Let stand 2 ½ to 3 hours or 9 pm
Shape rolls, put in pans, cover well, but not tightly,
Let rise on table overnight.

Bake at 350 degrees till brown, when you get up

Depending on how you shape, you will get between 4 and 5 dozen.

Recipe by Lenora (Butlercafe)