Tres Jolie

Land of the Free!

2011-07-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Another busy weekend for our family.... Yesterday Ed and I made a day trip to the Jersey Shore and today began with the 4th of July parade in Leesburg. Jack enjoyed all the festivities! Crewe slept through it all!

Thankful for our great country....God Bless America!!

"Hey Pop, How do you like my Brother?"

2011-06-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Crewe Robertson Myers
arrived June 22, 2011at 8:32 p.m..!!

He is P R E C I O U S!!

This picture was taken within an hour of his arrival! Holly did so well....when it comes to having babies....she is not her mother's child!
Jack was very attentive and intrigued. First, he said, that he needs to teach him how to walk!

Big Brother.....

Proud Pop....Oh so happy Mimi...

Amazed Uncle Ben....

Thrilled Aunt Betsy...

We were there for his first bath...and Jack helped wash Crewe's hair in the sink!

Thanks to Ben's persistence, we were able to SKYPE with Aunt Katie! ( We missed you being there with us!!!)

So you can see I've been a bit busy.....I'll try to be a better blogger as we head into the back stretch of Betsy's wedding plans!

Painting, Baking and Stiching!

2011-04-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

This past week was our spring break and I had a great time catching up on a long list of projects. I spent three of the days in Richmond with Ann and her family. It was garden week in Richmond and just so beautiful. When I was growing up there I didn't even appreciate it. Today, I soak in it and take those amazing visuals home with me.

So... here's a little peek in some of my projects.. some finished and some still in progress. I made these cookies for the kids.

Painted chairs (and a kitchen table) for Holly... still working on these- found them at the thrift store as they were being unloaded from the truck and paid $30 for 6 chairs!! I bought a great fabric for the seats at U FAB in Richmond!

And made several dozen ribbon flowers for the Cottage.

So thankful for this time to catch up and recharge. So thankful for the beauty that surrounds me. But the Big Picture is this:

So thankful for the PROMISE of ETERNAL LIFE because of God's gift and the resurrection of the LORD!
Happy Easter!

Celebration for Baby Crewe

2011-04-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Holly's friend, Megen, gave a baby shower for Holly and her upcoming arrival, baby Crewe! Since it was Holly and Nathan's second boy, Holly insisted that it be a small gathering of her Bible Study girls and a few close friends. Megen doesn't do anything in a small way! The shower was absolutely beautiful.. the details AMAZING! The food was presented beautifully and was simply delicious....I was definitely off my little diet!

Megen is an interior designer, can you tell?? I wanted to go home, de-clutter my home and paint new colors on my walls. She graciously allowed me to take and share some pictures of her talent.

Her ironstone collection made me swoon!

And her English Emma Bridgewater pottery was equally impressive.

This picture does not do her kitchen wall justice. The pop of color was so fun! I think Megen told me she bought the frames at IKEA.

Functional and CUTEness!

Megen actually stenciled this wall! What a vision she had for her dining room. To learn more about the transformation click here.

This is Megen, her son, Will and my dear friend Kay, Will's grammy. Thank you Megen for such a wonderful celebration for baby Crewe!

Holly's sweet friends and sisters!

Love, love, love these girls!
I AM BLESSED!

Spring Fever and Exercising

2011-04-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, it's looking like spring in Northern VA! Everything is blooming and green. Today was unseasonably warm and reached 82 degrees. After school, Betsy and I walked about 2 miles down to the river and I felt like I was going to die...it has been too long since I pushed myself and I am out of excuses. Betsy volunteered to walk with me every afternoon! I wished I loved to exercise as much as I love sewing. Is it an acquired love?

But it was great just walking and talking with Betsy and feeling the warmth of the spring day. When we got back to the house, we noticed Beast was stretched out on the deck, experiencing a little of spring fever himself!

We inherited Beast from Holly and Nathan. I guess that makes him a grand-cat! If you're looking for his tail.....he doesn't have one!

2011-03-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

What a FUN weekend I had! On Friday I dropped off some pillows at the Cottage and was immediately overtaken by spring fever! The store was layered with fresh colors and looked amazing....loved the paper pinwheels Linda made. Her eye for style continues to impress me :)

Linda had asked that I make some pillows using vintage lace. I picked up a lots and lots at the last Big Flea! I had done this before, and I really didn't take time to "design" and combine pieces that I had intended to, but I was still pleased with the outcome. The fabric is not actually a burlap-it's softer, more like a burlap fabric. I bought it last summer in South Carolina. Anyway, I intend to be a bit more creative with the next lace batch.

This was the bottom of a petticoat that I cut up.

My friends, Ann and Sue arrived from Richmond on Friday night. On Saturday, we spent the day antiquing and heading west...final destination...Frederick Maryland! We did more looking than buying, but had so much fun just hanging out and enjoying being together. I did buy these 3 silver trays, all from the same dealer. The most I paid for one was only $20....I thought they were a great prices! The plan is to use them at the Betsy's wedding reception. I've pictured little pink bite size cupcakes on them.

Here we are.. just before they headed home. Notice Ann's "cigarette"... we've been eating these candy cigarettes together forever! It doesn't take much to entertain us!

I ended the afternoon on Sunday going to Marshall's with Betsy where she got this cute gray chair for her and Stephen's new home. It will live in our living room until closer to the wedding. Jack Cat decided to try it out for a late afternoon nap.

It's Tuesday night and I wish I was looking forward to all the fun again!!

Bling- Bling!!

2011-03-19T18:00:00.001-07:00

My latest obsession is vintage earrings. I am always keeping my eyes open at thrift stores and the flea market for little pieces of bling at reasonable prices....it seems as though it's not only my obsession! Finding them at a good price has become a challenge within the last year.
I put together these bracelets for the Chicks Pics boutique. I'm honestly not sure they are very practical, but the little bits of bling together just make me smile!

Naples

2011-02-23T17:11:00.001-08:00

I was so blessed to spend the last 4 days in Naples with Ann,my dear friend of 50 plus years. Really... 50 years ! We had such a relaxing time, shopping, eating, sitting on the beach, staying up and sleeping in. We even did a few "pool workouts" and spend at day on my favorite spot- Sanibel Island. The time together was perfect!

Ann and Jeanie just relaxing!

I always take bird pictures. They really fascinate me!

Amazing sunsets

Beautiful Gulf

Thank you, Caccia Family, for sharing you beautiful home!
To quote Katie,
"Mom, you're living the life!"

A New Year's Miracle

2011-01-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

How do I begin to put the last 17 days into words? Up to this point I have just been moving forward, one day at a time.

Around 4:30 on Dec. 31st as I was driving home from Richmond, Ben called me asking how close to home I was. To make a very long story short, while no one was at home, Ed fell off the roof. Ben had returned from work and found him. Miraculously, he had gotten himself inside the house. He was helicoptered to Fairfax Hospital Trauma Center and 24 hours later he was released with 9 staples in his head, his memory slowly returning, a broken toe, a clear cat- scan of his brain and no broken bones-according to x rays. He was able to take baby steps.

Unfortunately, he was released on too much pain medication and we didn't realize that he was so badly hurt until Sunday morning when he could barely lift his head from the bed. He slept most of the day and began having serious spasms in his back. On Monday morning, I knew he was not getting any better. EMTs medicated him for his pain and transported to Loudoun Hospital. A scan showed a broken L1 vertebrae. The hospital would again keep him for 24 hours and get his pain under control. He was moved from ER to a room.

Driving home late that night I got a call from him.. except it was not him, it was Dr. M. using Ed's cell phone. Ed 's low oxgen level led to another scan. He had a "giant" saddle pulmonary embolism. He was moved to ICU and treatment began to thin his blood and shrink the clot.
The kids and I prayed. Now the broken vertebrae was secondary.

Two days later he was moved to a regular room, received excellent care and was released on Friday evening.. a week after the fall. I began giving him heprin shots in his stomach twice a day (he said that I lacked training )! All was progressing....

By Wednesday, he was having severe pain in his left calf and returned to Dr. M to have it checked. Another scan revealed "compartment syndrome"- where blood/fluid are trapped in a compartment in his leg. The treatment? SURGERY....but that would be complicated, very complicated not only because of the blood thinner, but mostly because of the embolism. So the alternate plan was for his body to hopefully absorb some of the trapped fluid by elevating his leg for the next several days. Ed got a great report at today's visit with Dr. M. He said for the first time, he is actually "ahead of the curve." Truly, he's a walking miracle.

There are so many, many things we are truly thankful for: excellent medical care, helicopter pilots, Dr. M, wonderful caring friends and family with phone calls, visits, texts, food, flowers, cards and PRAYER, the kids all being home and most of all God's Healing Hand. Obviously, God has big plans for keeping Ed here :)

Oh- the above picture is Ed's New Year's Eve list written on the blackboard in the kitchen.... and below- Ann.... Jack Cat also loved the flowers!

Ho Ho Ho!

2010-12-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas was just wonderful... the first time in 4 years that all four children were together! A full day of fun, food and "togetherness". As Holly and her family were heading over to our house on Christmas morning, Ben said, "Too bad we don't have Santa hats." "Santa hats," I said, "Ben I have a whole Santa suit!" (I had snagged it for 75% off several years ago at Target.) So Ben quickly slipped it on and greeted Jack upon his arrival. Jack never made eye contact with Santa!

The entire event lasted no more than a couple of minutes. Jack definitely didn't recognize Ben and was a little tentative, but was very brave with the unexpected visitor.

Before we opened family gifts Ed introduced a new family tradition where we each shared our prayer request for the upcoming year. By the time it got around to me, I was in tears, so deeply thankful for my children and their relationships with the Lord.

After church on Christmas Eve, we revisited our old tradition of eating dinner at Kobe. Jack arrived wearing an elf hat!

Every Christmas I ask myself why I didn't take more pictures??? Well this year I spent way too much time Christmas Day in the kitchen, but here are a couple~

Pop and Jack enjoyed the Wonder Pets Sticker book~"The phone, the phone is ringing!"

Regina and her family stopped by for a visit.
She'll always be family :)

As soon as Christmas is over, I'm ready to clean up and clear out. Yesterday and today, I cleaned out closets, sock drawers, and a couple of cabinets. It is so cold and windy, I just love being at home, nesting. Tomorrow I am tackling my sewing area.

Cottage Christmas Time

2010-12-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

Whenever I visit The Cottage, I am always so inspired! Ann and Linda are both so gifted as "pickers" and decorators! I just love all the cute vignettes.... everywhere you look, there is something old, loved and beautiful. I thought I'd share some of the pictures I took earlier in the month.

I bought this little red sleigh to add to my vintage sleigh collection!

This mantel inspired me to decorate with silver candlesticks this Christmas. I already had some, but I'm still searching for a few more.

Ann and Linda made several wonderful wreaths using vintage ornaments and trinkets. They sold quickly!

This miniature wicker chair makes my heart sing... so very sweet!

If I had a place for this dresser, it would have been loaded in my car. Love the color and carved drawer pulls.

I think my printed postcard pillows turned out really well. It's so much fun seeing those sweet old images on fabric! And this little cement girl fascinates me. I'm looking for a place where she could live this winter!

Happy Decorating!

Oh We Need a LIttle Christmas....

2010-12-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

Last week Holly and I were in Wegmans and bought the new GLEE cd for Ed- He's a big big GLEE fan, just loves the music! It really is a fabulous CD- sounds very Broadway like and We Need a Little Christmas is the first song it plays. It peps me up, gets me going.... decorating and cleaning....sorting and shifting and stuffing (my many piles around the house)...wrapping and sewing and wining ...about having so much to do. Pepping me up is good, but what I really need is Silent Night! I need desperately to be still and remember God's precious gift to us.

Last night I went to hear The Chalk Guy. I sat still.. so still my legs were restless. Ben's message and talent were phenomenal! I took away a lot. What really resonates was this, "When we say Merry Christmas we are actually saying CELEBRATE CHRIST." But not just at Christmas, God has called us who have received his gift to celebrate Christ each and every day. I am planning to work less on my piles and more on my heart this season. To be still and silent and hear from God.

Thankful

2010-11-26T05:12:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the exception of eating too much food. Isn't that ridiculous.. too much food? We are truly blessed beyond measure and not often enough do I slow down and reflect on just how much God has blessed me with. I am so thankful.

Having all the children together was great fun and old time confusion. The best part of the day? Well I didn't have to clean up a thing after dinner! I just sat, looked through the ads and wondered why people would get up and be at Khol's at 3:00 a.m. (I know.. all toys are 50% off!)
Ed made us a cozy fire and we ALL just relaxed.

Happy and needing a haircut... or something! Girls.... You need to let me know when I am looking like this!The Caccia's came over for dessert and Margy brought her yummie famous pumpkin cheesecake! The kids had a great time catching up with each other.

Yep... we are truly blessed!

Engaged!!!

2010-11-25T06:53:00.001-08:00

Betsy and Stephen arrived home last night to celebrate Thanksgiving and.......
THEIR ENGAGEMENT!!
We're SO EXCITED!! We love Stephen!

We were ready for a little celebration...including a little "engagement present".

Sunggies seemed like an appropriate gift! (Kind of a family joke!)

Bets asked her "little sister" to be her Maid of honor!

Happy Family!!... Holly and family were home kinda sick so we'll celebrate today with them :)

Lindsay and Ryan came over to congratulate Betsy and Stephen and begin looking at reception sites.

OK... so that's out BIG NEWS...gotta get back to the kitchen. I've got Thanksgiving here in 4 hours!!

"This Guy Needs a Helmet!"

2010-11-15T18:09:00.001-08:00

Well forget the vintage Fisher Price "Little People". I think they kept Jack's interest for about a month until he discovered Uncle Ben's old "starting lineup" football guys. Now he can't get enough of them!
Several weeks ago as I was driving him home from the sitter's house he said, "Mimi, Dick Butkus needs a helmet." I said, "What?" He repeated, "Dick Butkus needs a helmet!" I heard this barely 2 year old correctly! How does he know he was holding Dick Butkus?? Since that day, he now identifies almost all of them.... Jim Harbaugh, John Elway, Emmitt Smith, Simeon Rice....
So last night, we gave Jack his own helmet. I get the feeling this is just the beginning.

BIG weekend!

2010-11-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's been too long since I posted! I have been busy with school and my finger is getting much better after crushing it in a movable classroom wall. The injury definitely slowed me down for about a week and 1/2...luckily it is on my left hand and it is not broken, but I still lack feeling in it after 2 weeks. I am thankful- it could have been much worse, but it hasn't been fun! I was able to almost finish Jack's birthday gift- an "eye spy" quilt. It was my first time machine quilting (which has always been against my religion), but I quilted it in less than an hour. I could get used to that!

Jack's birthday this weekend was a big family event! His gm and ggm and great aunt came from IL! The day was just beautiful and Holly did an excellent job planning the details. He was just so precious. I never knew I would love him so much! What did we ever do without him?

The Party had a circus theme! This old clown had always been in my basement when I was a little girl. And Holly asked me to make his little circus tent appliqued shirt. He was so excited :)

The "big hit" gifts were a fish!!... from the Hussa family and a drum set from our neighbor, Karen!I just LOVED having all the girls together.. Uncle Ben, we missed you!

And some boyfriends came along!

On Sunday, Nathan ran and FINISHED the Marine Corps Marathon! We were all so very proud of him. It still seems unbelievable that he was able to run 26.2 miles! It would have been his dad's 57th birthday (I believe). It was was an emotional day for us all.

We finished the day with a chili dinner and trick or treating. Is he the cutest little monkey you've ever seen?

I LOVE WEEKENDS!!

2010-10-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Especially 3 days weekends! Here in Northern VA we have Columbus Day as a school holiday so I actually enjoyed a three day weekend with beautiful fall weather, good sleep and some serious sewing and thrifting time too! I stopped by the cottage this afternoon to drop off some pillows and took these pictures.

The cottage was filled with lots of new treasures. Love these stacks of vintage goodies!

And the tallest cubboard I think I've ever seen!

I love the change of seasons in the decor. I think this is the funniest picture.. the contrast of this delicate wild flower daisy with a pumpkin that is covered with warts!

And although I enjoy the warm colors of fall, I still prefer the soft sweet pastels... really all year long. My eye is just drawn to them! Earlier this month I made these little sachets from vintage linens, filled with French lavender.

And these yummie soft ribbons in the green cubbie that I look at more seriously every time I go in to the cottage. If is it still there next time, it may just come home with me!

Update!

2010-09-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

When two of my seven blog readers ask when I'm going to post, I'd better get on it so I don't lose readers! Since school has started, there just isn't enough time to document the days. For the last three weeks, I spent every spare minute preparing to send some products with Chicks Pics to the Country Living Fair in Columbus Ohio.

I sent the usual, pillows, lazy susans, vintage bling magnets and soldered necklaces. One new item was these 12x12 decoupaged frames. I scanned and copied some vintage pictures and inserted them to show that the frames worked best with black and white photos. (My mother is the little girl on the left!) They were lots of fun to make.

All summer I had envisioned making "paper doll sachets". Finally I got around to printing these images on white linen and after stitching around the dolls, I filled them with french lavender. Off to the fair the girls went!

Finally, Ed and I went to USC for parent's weekend on the 17th. We had a wonderful time with Ben and his friends and their families.

So now I'm digging out of my craft mess that I created while creating!

Bye bye summer...

2010-09-08T18:48:00.001-07:00

I had a WONDERFUL summer. Although I am ready for fall and cooler temperatures, I always am so sad to see summer go...the house goes from full to very calm. I do like that I am doing less cooking, but I really miss the kids. We're into our second week back at school and 6:15 and I really don't get along well!

Yesterday was the first day students began school. Holly stopped by on her way to school for the annual 1st day picture. My two little teachers :)

Tired Boy...

2010-08-25T16:54:00.001-07:00

Today was out first day back to school for teachers which meant that it was Jack's first day with a new sitter. He did SO WELL and we are all so thankful! Tonight he is over Mimi and Pop's while his mom is at Bible study and dad is on a long run. He's a tired little guy, chillin in the chair and watching Wonder Pets. Oh my goodness, I LOVE this little guy!

Winding Down

2010-08-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well one week from tomorrow I'll be back in school and it's really been a great summer! This afternoon I got back from USC... where Sis and I finished helping Ben get settled in his new house. It's hard for me to believe he is half way through school and I was really sad leaving him this time....how can he be this grown up and independent? We work so hard for them to grow their wings and then we're sad when they do....

I have a list a mile long of projects to finish before school begins~ I need use my time wisely. Before I left for South Carolina, I did make these necklaces from vintage buckles and show clips-so easy and fun! They are for sale at The Cottage in Leesburg.

Last week the girls and I went to the thrift shop and I spotted 2 of the cutest lamps I have ever seen. The shades had been replaced and were hideous, so I took them off, left them in the store, and paid just $2.50 for each lamp! I needed shades and Target didn't have anything close to working so I went to a lighting store where I found a shade style that worked. I've hesitated taking the plastic off because I paid WAY TOO MUCH for the two shades. Holly was sweet and picked up 2 inexpensive shades in Lynchburg this past weekend, but they were not made for the harps. I do love the way theses pricey ones look with the lamp, so off the plastic will go tomorrow!

Slip Covering 101

2010-08-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well I am back from Richmond and and have discovered that slip covering IS NOT for DUMMIES! I can sew pretty well and my perceptual skills are OK... but this slip covering stuff is difficult! "Mrs. M", my slip covering tutor, is a spry 83 years old and had been cutting and sewing slip covers for at least 55 years. For two days, I felt like I was running a slip covering marathon and could hardly keep up with her!

I took pictures of the process, and made lots of notes as she did most of the measuring and cutting. She is a race horse.... in a day and half, we finished 2 identical chairs for my living room.

We started with this ugly chair from the thrift store...

After lots of cutting and pinning and stitching...

We have this beautiful chair!

I need to make a little book of pictures and notes before I forget all that I learned!
(Ann- thanks for running such a fabulous B&B!)

Ann took me to a newly discover fabric store, U- FAB, where I bought some beautiful french blue fabric which I will use to slipcover the sofa. Being a solid fabric, it should be a lot easier, not worrying about matching a pattern anywhere. I also bought some new area rugs from AAA Carpet. The website does not do the warehouse justice. T hey buy designer remnants and bind them right in their warehouse and they have an amazing selection at terrific prices... definitely worth a trip to Richmond if you are looking for an area rug.

On a side note, I am so thankful that my sweet husband doesn't have an opinion on these matters. It took him three days to notice that I had switched the old rugs to the new!

So much to do before school starts 2 weeks from tomorrow. Where did summer go?

My $20 Chair!

2010-07-31T05:40:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I picked up my $20 thrift store chair from the sweet lady in Richmond who makes my slipcovers. I am so happy with how well it turned out and the total price with labor ($90) and sale fabric ($120) was still a great bargain for this area! The ottoman was actually an additional $5. It was "half price furniture day" at the Salvation Army in Leesburg!

Every morning when I walk downstairs Beast (our black tailless cat) is still asleep in the chair . I'll grab my camera next time....he looks great sleeping on the black and white toile!

So today, I'm off to find a another something to slip cover! I'll be leaving tomorrow for Richmond for a three day lesson in making slipcovers. I have wanted to know how forever and this is such a great opportunity to learn from someone who has been doing this for 50 plus years! I plan to take pictures as a reference since I am visual...oh my, I hope I can do it!

"My Space!"

2010-07-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have made some progress in moving my sewing down the basement. I haven't made enough uninterrupted time to finish organizing everything quite yet, but it's getting there. I want to have a place for everything and train myself to put everything in its place! That may take some practice!

Each piece of furniture that I've moved in has a specific purpose and I love each piece but my favorite, by far is the table placed as an island in the center of the room. I scooped it up at The Cottage and painted it a beautiful blue. Love, love, love the bottom shelf where the locker baskets fit perfectly! It serves as my cutting table- just the right height.

I wish I had a lens for my camera that would show the entire room. I walk downstairs and am so thrilled to have everything in one place. And I'll love it even more when everything gets put away! Here's a glimpse ......

Lexi sent me a link to a blog she found where the blogger was selling these three little vintage machines. They were a great buy and so happy to look at!

I felt a bit guilty about painting the chestnut cupboard, but it turned out just perfectly and it is so nice having some of my special sewing collection behind glass doors.

Thank you, family, for putting up with my mess and piles for so many years. I hope I can do a better job keeping it contained now.
To see new pillows, click on this link for The Cottage!

Good Day!

2010-07-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

What a GOOD day! This morning I made my annual peach pie! It's so yummy and E A S Y- the recipe is from my mother's 1950 Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. Tonight we had friends for dinner. The pie is gone.

After Jack's nap I met Holly in Leesburg for a late lunch and then we drove to Lovettsville to cut fresh flowers at "Fields of Flowers". I had not been there in several years. Robbie, who owns the flower farm made the floral arrangements for Holly and Nathan's wedding four years ago this August.

Little did I imagine then that I'd be back there with this precious little boy.

The flowers and scenery were so beautiful.

At one point Holly went into the shed to get a bucket and called for me to "come see Jack, you don't wanna misss this." He had helped himself to a garden hat and was ready to do some serious flower cutting!

Lots of bees and butterflies! I could have taken pictures for hours! What a creator our God is!

It took a while to get this picture....

Lots of cut flowers and fun memories.

We had so much fun I lost track of time and only had time to put together this one little arrangement before my guests arrived for dinner. I hope to go back before summer ends!

"More Beach"

2010-07-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

as Jack says 200 times a day. He loves playing with his animals in the sand and is fearless running into the water. Here are some photos of this past week.

Fire works on the beach.

and ring around the rosy!
Family photo night!Gotta run... Jack is already at the beach!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-03T19:11:00.001-07:00

Sorry, all 7 readers, that I've been AWOL for a while...just been having too much fun relaxing with family and friends at the beach! Last week, before all of the kids and husbands arrived, Ann and I went 45 mins. away to Suffolk to meet up with 2 high school friends. Pat's wreath looked adorable and I told her it was definitely "blog worthy"!

So many fun memories have been made already this week. Highlights include:
1- remembering Ann and Kenny's first date in 1974.. which included several serious kisses!
2- being told about Abby's and Kevin's first kiss...Ann didn't want to know the details!
3-Jack seeing the ocean for the first time -"more beach"
"more beach"
4- some great meals at home and already twice to "Surf Rider" for crab cakes!
5- Ed is a great noon griller and cabana boy. We LOVE his bubba burgers on the beach!6-Oh- and fun bingo game nights with silly prizes!

week no. 2 coming up :)

Thanks...Linda, Lexi, Ann and Betsy!

2010-06-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Linda, for sharing with me the beautiful hydrangeas from your yard. They were magnificent in the dining room this past weekend. How do you get your bushes to bloom so well? Is it the soil or hours of sun? Below is the only bloom I have had on my own hydrangea bush in 3 years. It is beautiful, but I'd like a couple dozen of them!

Thanks, Ann, for lugging my thrift store chair back down to Richmond for a make over! Can't wait to see the black toile slip cover! (Sorry forgot to take a before picture to post- but can do a before/after when I get the chair back.)

Thanks, Betsy, for inspiring me to make cookies last week. After watching you make 75 graduation cap cookies, a few ducks and baby bottles for the baby shower didn't seem like too much to tackle. It was harder than I anticipated and I have a new appreciation for the cost of hand decorated cookies! I would never have finished without your help, Lexi! Thank you for being so unselfish with your time!

Between cookie making and baby shower hosting, and of course preparing meals for the gang, I have made huge progress with my sewing workspace. It is exciting seeing it come together and I am so anxious to have it all set up and resume some production. I actually get kinda grumpy when I am not creating something. Updated workspace pictures are promised for the weekend....the pressure is on to finish!

TGIF!

2010-06-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

I LOVE FRIDAYS! This afternoon Jack came over to play and pick strawberries. I has been looking forward to seeing him discover the little strawberry patch. He was so precious, picking off the stems and popping a whole strawberry into his mouth.

With 12 more school days ahead, each day this week was packed full. The highlights of the week included Betsy and Holly as key note speakers at the LCPS teacher cadet recognition assembly. They did a fantastic job speaking in front of 200 students, fellow teachers and administrators. I was so proud of my girls!

And last night our senior small group girls had their graduation dinner... so many memories after 4 years together. So blessed to have had these years with them.

While outside this afternoon, I took some "bee pictures"... just seeing how close I could get. I thought this one was really fun.

And the little wheel barrow on the front porch welcoming summer! Yipee...12 more days of school!!

Full Nest

2010-05-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well the gangs all here! We've been having a great time together...but I need a nap! I forgot what it was like to have a full nest! The girls switched bed rooms yesterday and for the past two days, I've been painting furniture for the sewing studio. The new carpet was laid during all of the switching and painting and we all had a great meal together Saturday night to celebrate everyone's homecoming and successful year at school. Here are a few pictures that sum up the weekend. Thanks goodness that there is no school tomorrow. I need a day to rest!

Big Plans for a BIG Space!I

2010-05-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Waiting for a new home.....

I have BIG summer plans... moving my sewing/craft "studio" from all over the upstairs of the house down to the basement. I have a designated room for my sewing and crafting, but it has spilled out of its little nook. So the plan first began this spring with giving away the pool table. Luckily, I found a friend who was thrilled to pay a moving company to relocate it to his home. YEAH!
Next, I picked out a beautiful new carpet for the entire basement which should be installed within the next week! Yipee, fresh and clean carpet!

The most fun has been planning the furnishings for the room. The space is BIG and open, at least it feels so much bigger than where I have been working. I have been looking through my idea books and found these pictures in a past issue of "Where Women Create". I just love the soft colors, floral patterns, open shelves and tall cupboards.

I'm not too sure my family would go for the ruffles... but I love it all!

Tonight during the next commercial for "Dancing with the Stars", Ed is helping me take this cupboard out of the car. (I was thrilled to find it at a little shop in Leesburg for a great price.) Thanks, Nathan for helping me load it! The dealer told me it was chestnut. All I know is that it weighs a ton and I already feel guilty about having plans to paint it, but I think it will look great painted with the other pieces I have planned to use in the room.

These two next pieces I painted this weekend. I've had the little drawer/shelf piece for several months. It cleaned up well and I love the brass drawer pulls. Above the top shelf is a long spring, probably once used to hold a curtain to cover the open shelves. I will probably use it for it's intended purpose. Fun!

The little two tier tea cart, I bought from The Cottage. I love the spindled sides and old rusty wheels. I am considering covering the two tiers with a pink ticking striped wall paper. It will be a useful piece for holding "works in progress" once the space is complete.

Stay tuned... it's gonna be fun to see it all come together. Ben... hurry home. I'm going to need some muscles to help move it all !

Beauty has Arrived!

2010-05-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of these beauties! I cut the first blooms yesterday and made several arrangements for the house. Love, love, love peonies. I think that someday they would make amazing wedding flowers....b and k.... what do you think?

Backyard Memories

2010-04-30T18:25:00.001-07:00

I transplanted these lilly of the valley 22 years ago from my parent's backyard. They are such a sweet reminder of my childhood and how my mother taught me to appreciate the beautiful details of nature.

My world was small... consisting of a backyard and a creek to find adventure and explore. Sissy and I spent hours in those insect infested woods and a creek where we saw plenty of snakes! We spent many afternoons digging up salamanders in that creek, catching minnows with a small fish net, picking up buckets of rocks from my daddy's garden (I was paid 10 cents for a full load), quickly bringing in half dried clothes from the line as the rain began and carrying buckets of water up from the creek to water to garden.

That little world kept us both busy and entertained. Today, I'm not sure I would want my own children hanging out in the woods and wading in a creek, but I am so thankful that didn't cross my mother's mind.

Bird Watching

2010-04-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a few birdie projects I've been working on this week. I just long for more TIME to complete so many ideas flying around in my head.

My dear, talented and most unselfish friend, Lisa, once again has made an idea of mine a reality! It all began several years ago when I had nine little bird prints framed which I had saved from some of my mother's belongings. In the 1920s, the bird prints were distributed from the Singer Sewing Machine Co. and given out as premiums. I immediately wished that I had made copies before I had them framed.

So I snagged an entire set from EBAY for just a few dollars. They arrived bound with a faded construction paper cover and a red piece of yarn- obviously, a school project on song birds, completed decades before.

Lisa went to work repairing the punched holes using her photo shop skills...scanned them and together, we printed them on fabric! Using spray adhesive, we adheared the cut fabric to a piece of card stock and sent it through her 13" wide printer. There are now so many possibilities of images I want to scan and print. Thank you, Lisa!

I also decoupaged a few little birdie magnets. I thought they turned out really cute! :)

And finally, a little vignette from the Cottage...

Signs of Spring

2010-04-12T17:03:00.001-07:00

I love spring! It is probably my favorite season because of the warm weather, longer days and amazing colors popping up. I've been working on my own rose garden, made with french silk wired ribbons. It's so relaxing stitching and seeing them come to life. They look really cute pinned to jean jackets, sweaters or even a pair of ballet flats. They've been selling well at both The Cottage and Chicks Picks.

It's been unseasonably HOT here...hot enough for Jack to play in the backyard with the hose. Funny stuff. He would play with the water for hours if we didn't distract him so we could get him dry and bring him inside.

This past weekend I went to Lynchburg, and had some quality time with sweet Katie. While we were waiting outside to be seated for dinner I played with the camera settings and was really pleased with how these beautiful flowers photographed.

Katie, Kaitlyn and Kelly....Montte and I had fun with you! Thanks for hanging out with us:)

"All this.. and Heaven too!"

2010-04-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday night and I have almost recovered! We had a fabulous weekend... It couldn't have been a more joyous Easter, enjoying God's blessings of family and close friends. All the kids were home- what could be better?

After church and lunch, we had a one man Easter egg hunt...that one man being JACK. He was precious beyond words. As we overreacted with extreme enthusiasm with every egg he picked up, I wondered how this may all affect his development. This child gets TONS of love and encouragement. We just cannot contain ourselves... hopefully we aren't too enthusiastic...is there such a thing with grandchildren?

Ben (take note of the rabbit ears) was a big help hunting eggs with Jack. After Jack filled his train basket Lexi brought him, he found it to be easier to just place the eggs in the wagon.

along with himself! He was so funny... saying egg, egg, egg, then suddenly he spotted the cat and it turned into kitty, kitty, kitty!

So here are a few more highlights of the day. I regretted that I got so carried away documenting Jack's first egg hunt that I didn't get more family pictures.. just too much going on!

"All this.. and Heaven too!" We have so much to look forward to and what better time to celebrate God's promises than Easter!

More Fun

2010-04-01T18:05:00.001-07:00

On the way to the airport in Greenville, we met Sissy's friend at Mary's Restaurant where the three of us ate lunch sitting out overlooking the gardens in a beautiful newly revived area of downtown.

Spring had officially sprung in Greenville. Thanks to Sissy for loaning me her extra lens, I was able to take pictures of the beauty. South Carolina is probably two weeks ahead of us in Northern VA. Can't wait to see some blooms at home!

Over the weekend, Ben drove from USC to Pickens to get a home cooked meal and a good night's sleep.....and to shoot a BB gun with Uncle Daniel... ( We don't do that in northern VA!) It had been several months since we had been together. I LOVED seeing him!

Fabric Overload!

2010-03-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

I just returned from South Carolina for a spring break visit with Sissy! What a great visit.... beginning with Sis picking me up at the airport and driving directly to Mary Jo's Cloth Shop in Charlotte, NC. I have a PASSION for fabric. All fabric... decorator, drapery, quilting cottons, silks, trims.....I love to see the colors, soak in the patterns and feel the textures. I have always just loved fabric!

Well, I had already heard about Mary Jo's after Sissy's first trip and also on Young House Love's blog. I was not disappointed. I been to many fabric stores and but I don't think I've ever been to a place with such an extensive inventory. It was almost fabric overload. Marsha and sweet little Davis patiently followed me around for several hours, piling up fabric on top of the stroller! We took a lunch break and returned for round II! We returned to Pickens, just in time for dinner.

Thanks, Marsha for be such a trooper shopping with me. And sis... you know how to make my day!! Thanks so much for taking me there!!

There was no shortage of wonderful trims!
More tomorrow on my Spring Break in Pickens!

The News

2010-03-21T17:53:00.001-07:00

Yep, I'm still here... just been very busy with work and the Hussa Memorial Basketball tournament (which was over today!) and finishing some crafts for the Chicks Picks show which also ran Thursday - Saturday. There was not a second free for fun blog surfing! I haven't even begun getting the house ready for spring and our Easter guests. And to make matters worse, my camera, which was so simply fixed last week, was really not simply fixed at all. It took a few pictures and poof... the lens stopped working. According to the nice man at Ritz Camera the gears seem to be stripped. So off the lens goes to Tuson AZ where Ritz Camera sends them when they are misbehaving. I am LOST without it. And sadder still...I won't have it for Easter, when all the kids will be home. Gotta figure something out! Anyone out there have an extra Nikon lens to rent? (I still have my camera.)

On a happier note, Ed and I went to see Katie this afternoon at the Dulles Airport international arrivals as she landed from her missions trip in Ethiopia. After 10 days working at a sports camp, and 15 hours on a plane, she was beaming! We only had about 1o minutes with her before she got on an LU bus and headed back to Lynchburg. I asked her what the best part of the trip was and without hesitation, she said, "Oh mom, the kids!" I can't wait to see pictures and hear her stories. I am so thankful that she had the opportunity and thankful too for people who love her and financially supported her. So if you are one of those people. THANK YOU! I am certain God has used this experience change her life :)

Two weeks ago Ed surprised us with circus tickets. Jack had a great time... and discovered popcorn! I spent most of my time during the show tearing it into tiny pieces so he wouldn't choke. Each day we spend with him, it just gets better.. seeing him discover new things and put ideas together. My favorite? He is now officially calling me "mimi" and sometimes it is "ma mimi". He absolutely melts me!

Last Sunday I also went to Richmond where Ed and I has a beautiful afternoon cemetery visit. I had been emotional just thinking about being there, but when the afternoon came, it was peaceful and sweet. Sweet memories of my daddy.

Preppy Vintage Blooms

2010-03-12T19:53:00.001-08:00

When I stopped at the Cottage yesterday after school, I was delighted to see the color scheme of the front hall... pink and green!
Linda and Ann had spent two days fluffing and filling the Cottage with all sorts of exciting treasures. Funny thing is that I was just bringing in four pillows that I had just finished- and they were pink and green blooms made from vintage crocheted doilies. We couldn't have planned a better match if we had tried. I had found several cute doilies in a box under a table at the Big Flea last weekend and paid only $1.00 for each.

In other exciting news, I left the cottage and I faced the 5:30 p.m. Tysons traffic and went to Ritz camera to see what they could tell me about my "broken" camera. The salesman took one look at it, walked behind the counter, took off the lens and blew some air into it. Viola! It was FIXED! He explained that it needed cleaning, but warned me not to try that at home as the lens can easily shatter. I was so relieved that it was a simple solution. Thankfully, I had bought an extended coverage, and even more thankfully, even located it, but didn't actually need to use it.

So this afternoon, I stopped at the Cottage for what I think was the 4th time this week to snap a few pictures. Here's a better shot of the eggs. I had so much fun making them that today I ordered more eggs... I have a few new ideas of what I might do to decorate the new batch.

Ann and Linda... I won't be stopping by tomorrow!

Camera 911!

2010-03-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

My camera is broken :(
I probably use it daily and I am LOST without it! Unfortunately, I cannot take it to the nearest camera shop during the work week because the nearest shop is not so near! So it may be a while before I am posting half decent pictures again. I took the egg pictures with a very inexpensive digital camera which I had never used until today... now I know why it was so inexpensive. What a difference in picture quality. I actually remember being told I could return the camera if I didn't like it....it will definitely be going back!

The Cottage has done a spring transformation so I took a few more pictures this afternoon, but they weren't worth posting! But this one was kinda cool.

I've been working on a ton of different spring projects. By the time my camera is fixed, maybe I'll have a lot to show :)

Happy Birthday Katie!

2010-03-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

Katie, you are one of my 7 blog readers... so this one is for YOU!

How is it possible that you are 21?

Honestly, time flies! I remember so clearly anticipating your birth. Back in"those days" we didn't know that you would be a girl or a boy until the moment you arrived. During my pregnancy, my mother would pat my tummy and say, "I won't be at all disappointed with a 3rd girl!"

"Nanny" died 3 months before you were born. Somehow, I think she knew you were coming and surely for the past 21 years God has given her a glimpse of how precious you are.What joy I have knowing you will someday know her.

Dad and I couldn't be more proud of the beautiful girl you are, inside and out. Happy Birthday Kate! You are a huge blessing to our family. You bring us lots of joy and laughter. We love you TONS!

Images of Naples

2010-02-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are the highlights from our trip! The birds were not at all shy about being photographed.

And the shells are magnificent. I am always amazed at God's creation when I look closely at the details!

And of course.. the fabric store! A personal highlight! I absolutely love fabric!

The $8.00 a yard room! Yippee!!

I hope I didn't look this bad the whole time I was there. I think I was beginning to realize I didn't have a plan for getting the fabric home! Next stop? MARSHALLS...for a new suitcase. Now the weight of my two suitcases when I arrived at the airport? Well that's a whole nother story. Let's just say I have a very patient sister. :)

I'm Back....

2010-02-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

to reality! I just returned this afternoon from 5 days in Naples, Florida! It was AMAZING, RELAXING, BEAUTIFUL, CALM, and I got to share that time with my very BEST friend, my sister.

I am so grateful that my good friends graciously shared their beautiful Naples home with Sissy and me. When we made our flight reservations several months ago, we didn't pay attention to the date and yesterday was actually the 1 year anniversary of daddy's death . It was wonderful that she and I were able to spend that day together. We talked about how happy mama and daddy would be that we enjoy being with each other. It's really amazing how much we think alike and even though we live 10 hours apart, we share so many common views. Most importantly, I am always awed by her constant unselfishness toward me and her unconditional love... not only for me, but for my entire family. She really, really loves my children.

So we just loved our time together...shopping and eating and shopping and eating! (No schedules, no meals to prepare). The weather was a bit cloudy, so we only made it to the beach once, but it was a monumental day trip to Sanibel Island, known for the best shelling around. Tomorrow I'll share some pictures from the beach. Tonight, the downloading is not behaving :( and I need to start unpacking the extra suitcase I had to buy after I went to a fabulous fabric store and purchased 2 "grab bags" of fabric.. along with a little yardage from their back sale room!

So, thank you, my sweet friends who made this memory possible.

What a blessing your friendship continues to be :)

Back to school...

2010-02-15T17:43:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow morning, it's back to school! I have had such a wonderful snow break, just loved being at home, organizing drawers and cupboards and starting new projects and finishing some half started ones. I made these little sachets filled with French lavender from an old embroidered table cloth and took them to The Cottage. Then I went on a pillow frenzy and finished about 30 spring pillows. As soon as the inserts arrive, they will also be at The Cottage. It's already looking like spring inside the shop, not that we're anxious or anything!

Then this afternoon, my friend, Lisa and I worked on printing images on fabric.. She has an extra large Epsom printer and it worked out just perfectly! I'm really excited thinking about all the things I can make...the possibilities are endless!

Bye Bye snow days.... I enjoyed having you around!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-13T19:33:00.001-08:00

Hope it's s good one!

Little Monkey

2010-02-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

I have my original sock monkey from when I was a child and have been collecting sock monkey paraphernalia for years... pajamas, ornaments, key chains, fabric...Holly is usually the recipient. She knows that for some odd reason it's special to me and has graciously appeased me by showing interest in this!
(Thanks, Honey!)

When we were socked in with Saturday's snow, I pulled out these slippers which I had gotten earlier in the winter for Jack. I think I actually found them at Walgreens and had put them away for next year, but we needed some entertainment! Jack just kept looking down at his feet- not sure what to think.

With that activity only lasting 5 minutes, we moved on to watching Jack eat raspberries from an egg cup. His little precious fingers were so sweet dipping in to get one after another.

I know I said no more "snow post".. but we're getting another 8-14 inches over the next 24 hours. I can't remember a winter like this in my lifetime, so please forgive me for the excessive snow blogging! School is canceled until next TUESDAY... now that's historic!

I just can't figure out where the snow will go when it's plowed....the first 32" haven't melted a bit!

Enough SNOW!

2010-02-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd complain about snow, but we've probably had enough! It's 3:20 p.m. and it's still coming down! I think we're close to 30 inches! First thing this morning Ed and I went out to dig a path. He eventually got the Tahoe out and I worked to save the butterfly bush and the dogwood tree that I planted 21 years ago when mama died. After enough snow went down my back, I gave up on saving them.

Next we went on a rescue mission to pick up Holly, Nathan and Jack who had been without power/heat since 3 a.m. I was expecting the worst, but the trip out there wasn't so bad. We followed a snowplow out of our neighborhood and only saw a few cars on route 7.

Visibility was poor... but Ed did a great job driving.

Mission accomplished! Jack was in his PJs and ready to go to a warm house.

I wish there was an accurate way to describe how crazy it is. Here are some morning pictures...

Here's "Nanny's Dogwood" tree.

"Just 5 mins. Ed, I'll be right out!"

Betsy's car is waiting for you...

Nathan will earn a BIG, LONG nap!

McKinsey and Ethan came over to "help".

And the chairs continue to disappear.

OK.. that's the snow news . Already, school has been closed for both Monday and Tuesday. YEAH!!!! No more snow complaining!.... and probably no more snow blogging either~!

If You're Wondering...

2010-02-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

It's 10:45p.m., we've just finished watching season 4 of "the Office" and it is still pouring snow!

Here it comes!

2010-02-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

It began snowing around 11:00 a.m. this morning and will continue until tomorrow evening. It's suppose to be THE SNOW EVENT of THE CENTURY... did I make that up? Well, they're saying 26-30" and that's A LOT of snow for Northern VA. I'll keep you posted.

I Love Snow Days!

2010-02-03T06:14:00.001-08:00

We went to sleep last night with snow lightly falling and high hopes that school would be delayed or closed today. At 5:30 a.m. the anticipated phone call came. Schools will be CLOSED today!!
I jumped back in bed, thrilled with the free hours which lay before me. My mind began making a list of possibilities. I briefly considered getting up and making the most of this gift of time... you know.... being PRODUCTIVE. I turned over and adjusted my pillow. The next phone call came.
It was now 9:00 and Holly was calling. I lost a few hours, but I feel refreshed. The snow is just beautiful. It looks like God painted the trees with cotton.

Thanks, Uncle Ben!

2010-01-31T18:53:00.000-08:00

Uncle Ben, I want to tell you about yesterday. Aunt Betsy babysat me while "mum" and "da" went out to dinner. I found your room...and wanted to thank you for sharing your toys with me while you are away at college.

I found this shelf... filled with all sorts of wonderful "balls". I couldn't wait to get my hands on them!

Aunt Betsy was really nice and let me hold each one.. until I wanted another.

Then I noticed this great hoop on your closet door. Again, Aunt Betsy, being the fun aunt that she is, helped me make a few hundred baskets.

I think her arms got tired so Aunt Betsy sat on your bed and held the hoop for me.

Speaking of your bed.... we did a little jumping and looking for more "balls" in the Sports Illustrated Covers on your wall.

I also liked your "ut ball" and tried to spin it like "da" does.

So thanks again, Uncle Ben. It will be more fun playing in your room with YOU when you come home! We miss you !

P.S. Don't worry..... Grammie will be cleaning everything up!

Perfect Match

2010-01-28T18:06:00.001-08:00

Earlier in the fall I bought these vintage tureens from a dealer I know as he was unloading his truck at the flea market. Most were without lids and were a whopping $5.00 each. Single lids were $3.00. With those prices, I got carried away. I just couldn't leave them there! I did snag a few complete pieces...I think they may have been a bit more. This picture is actually a small portion of what I brought home. . . ironstone platters, sugar bowls, small miscellaneous pieces. To relieve my guilt, I have given a lot of it to friends.

Several months later, I went to PA with friends to this dealer's home to get a first hand peek at his stash. My chin was on the floor as I saw shelves and shelves of ironstone and transferware. Hundreds of pieces were without their "tops" or "bottoms", but still so charming. So... I brought more home. (I know, I might have a problem.... dishes and fabric.....) Well, the fun find of the day was hiding in the bottom of a box I was digging through. The lid for the pink ribbed tureen which I had bought months before! Back together..... a perfect match! It makes me smile. :)

Saturday at The Cottage!

2010-01-23T15:23:00.001-08:00

This afternoon, Holly, Jack and I delivered some pillows to "The Cottage". Jack had just awakened from a nice nap so he was in a great mood. It was the perfect time to put him in this vintage fire truck and take a few pictures. Every time I see it, I think how cute it would be for my front porch. The porch is large, wide, and wraps around the side of the house... really big enough for some serious fire truck driving! If it ever goes on sale, I just may have to consider buying it!

Really, just look at this ... don't you think I NEED it?

On another note.... the real reason we went was to MAKE money, not spend it. These are some of the pillows I finished this morning. I had so much fun using the little crocheted pieces to make flowers. I had bought a large bag full at the Big Flea for $4! Pretty good investment...

So much to make... so little time!

Cat Woman?

2010-01-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

"Don't post anymore cat pictures, mom, everyone will think you're a cat woman!"
"Maybe I am a cat woman?"

Well, at least I've always really likes cats. And when you week is super busy, and you aren't photographing cute little children living at home anymore, cute cat pictures don't require much thought. So here are some fun "Jack Cat" pictures. He continues to entertain us with the unexpected little places he puts himself into.

You're probably wondering if that's all........
Nope! Remember I might be a "Cat woman". I have more!

Just one more. I'll save the rest for another day....

Hearts for Haiti

2010-01-19T04:16:00.000-08:00

When I dropped off the sachets at The Cottage, Linda suggested I make little heart pins. I watched a lot of news this weekend.. images of Haiti and the devastation there. Hand sewing gave me lots of down time to sit and pray as I stitched. I hold on to God's promises that he sees the big picture of how this disaster can be used to draw people to him. If you are looking for an avenue for giving, Compassion International would be a place to explore. All proceeds from these little pins will be combined with my family relief gift for the need in Haiti.

So, after stitching and praying, here's the finished product! With more coat left, I also decided to make another batch of the larger sachets to enjoy at home. Still... more coat left.... not surprising! Any suggestions?

I'm discovering a whole new world of wool I'm unfamiliar with. I've been researching "felting" old wool sweaters. After placing them in a pillowcase and washing them in hot water in the washing machine, they go through the dryer and are shrunken and ready for cutting. ( The pillow case will protect the inside of the washer from fuzz.) I also found some felted wool at Jo Ann Fabrics and web sites specializing in wool felt, http://www.weirdollsandcrafts.com and http://www.thefeltpeople.com ~ so I'm coming up with some new projects and thinking about old wool sweaters we have given away with regret!

Meanwhile- it's back to the familiar- pillow making- black/white, taupe and cream for a new pallet at the cottage! I plan on using some of those petticoats...

Repurpose and Reuse

2010-01-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

I should have been the one to invent "the snuggie" because this has been part of my wardrobe for the past 10 years. Really, did I ever think this looked good?? I remember seeing this boiled wool wrap-coat at the Jones New York Outlet and fell in love. It was a big decision to chose black or red and I'm pretty sure I paid way too much for it. I decided I'd be bold and go for the red and I actually wore it for YEARS! For the past two years though, I knew it was time to move on. More than once, I'd pull it out of the coat closet to give away and then retrieve it. For what? I wasn't quite sure... but that was A LOT of good boiled wool.

When I was telling Holly that my plan was to cut up the coat, she said, "Oh mom, get Betsy to take your picture in it first, I want to remember you in that coat!" What she was really saying was that she just wanted to laugh at me wearing that coat! The question is- how long have people been laughing? (This picture is blurry because Betsy was having a hard time composing herself.) I just have one question for my girls. "Why did you ever let me wear this?"
Truly, I'm embarrassed!

So I began cutting and created these little sachets, using vintage lace and buttons as embellishments.

I took them to The Cottage yesterday. I think they are the perfect little gift for someone you love. I also have made several sets of LOVE blocks and embroidered pillows.

So I'm looking at a three day weekend.... more cutting of the coat!

Pincushions...

2010-01-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

A girl can never have too many! Yesterday I spent most of the day at the D.C. Big Flea and the first stop was the TRUFFLE PIGS booth! These three girls never disappoint! They had their space packed with one of a kind hand-made pincushions and vintage sewing notions- trims, ribbons, buttons, fabric, and dolls. Over the years, I've splurged several times on these miniature works of art and although they are a bit over budget, I never have a regret.

This year, I bought this velveteen rabbit, sitting on his soft green pillow. Look at the carrot, coming out of the ground! All of the detail and the fine construction is amazing.

I also placed a special order for a blue bird which should be completed in several weeks. I was actually paying for my purchases when this giant strawberry caught my eye. I had no will power!

Past purchases include the three little chicks (which of course reminds me of my own three girls).

And a black dog (in memory of Sadie), an orange kitty, an antique stuffed doll house bed and a bumble bee. Each are made of the softest velveteen which is hand dyed.

From the same vendors, I got some great buttons and a load of old lace - from collars to petticoats. I plan to work with it this week and make some Valentine surprises.

Finally, after hours of walking through both buildings, this little sampler spoke to me. This scripture has always been a favorite of mine so it came home too. I'm looking for just the right place to hang it.

I suppose this verse can take on several messages, but it reminds me to be joyful and encouraging to others that they may see God's love through my attitude- my merry heart!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Last night the four kids and boyfriends and girlfriend went out for an early New Year's eve dinner. Ed and I watched Jack at our home. For us, it was a perfect New Years. Our kids chose to hang out together and we got Jack to ourselves. :)

It's been a busy week....lots of family, kids, and friends in and out! That means lots of piles and clutter (mostly mine, I'm afraid!) This afternoon the kids helped me take down the Christmas decorations. As we speak, the decorations are piled up... not taken down to the basement yet.... another pile! My life consist of too many unfinished projects to mention and too many sentimental "things" that I may someday need. I feel like I spend more time "moving things" than "using things"!!

Yesterday, I was talking to my friend, Connie, who is a wonderful housekeeper. She reminded me that January is de-clutter month. Now I'm not sure who started that but it is always a good time to clear out. I feel that way every year when I put away Christmas. So I am declaring that I AM DETERMINED TO CLEAN UP AND CLEAR OUT!!

PS~ Katie just read this post and said there were more pictures of Jack than anyone else- so here's a picture of Katie and her good friend, Kaitlyn. Happy Katie? (xoxo)

Today...

2009-12-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

Today in the town of David,
a SAVIOR has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

A Christmas Miracle!

2009-12-22T13:02:00.001-08:00

Snow pictues of Jack, Holly and Nathan from Sunday afternoon.

This is a true story... a TRUE Christmas Miracle! On Saturday, Holly had several friends from college in town for the weekend and they all landed at our home for the afternoon. There was lots of outdoor fun in the snow and wings and homemade pizza and football and babies and toddlers and confusion galore...( I have to accurately give the setting so it won't appear I have dementia!) After dinner, the unscraped streets were freezing up and Ed was anxious for everyone to leave before the roads became worse- thus more confusion in the hurriedly packing up of children and their "stuff".

Holly asked if she could take home the camera card to download some pictures. I suggested she take the whole camera, but she said no, just the card. Apparently, I picked out the camera card- and was holding it as I continued to clean up the room, gathering items that needed to go with the kids. I picked up some wrapping paper and ribbon from the floor, threw it in the fire and continued the process of gathering. Several minutes passed and Holly asked for the camera card. What? Camera card? Was I suppose to have it? This is where it gets scary- because I honestly don't remember ejecting it from the camera. After looking high and low, I decided it must only be in two places- the trash can or the fireplace. I would look through the trash in the morning- it was too cold in the garage and I was too tired.

This picture was taken a few minutes before the tragic clean-up!

The next morning Holly called to say she was coming over to help me look through the trash. I looked outside to see EMPTY trashcans by the road. It was Monday, and Ed, my effieient husband, had taken the trash to the road the night before-I felt sick. Jack's entire first year was on that camera card. I could visualize pictures I had looked at, but never printed or downloaded. GONE. I rarely cry. I cried. I prayed. I asked God to help me put this in perspective- that we hang on to things loosely, that we are just passing through.. but God, I'd love to have a miracle about right now.

Meanwhile, I am walking around frozen (literally) because during the night, we lost our heat (the new unit is only 4 months old). Cold and sad. It was pretty pitiful. The technician was unable to fix the heat unit and we were going to have another cold night. So my sweet, efficient husband prepared the fireplace for another fire. He always cleans out the previous ashes before building a new fire. As he is cleaning, he says.. well here's your camera card!

Ok.... here's the miracle. As he handed me the dirty card it looked completely in tack-it appeared be all there. Unbelieveable. I blew off some ashes and prayed as I slipped it into the computer. IT WORKED. ALL OF MY PICTURES WERE THERE!!! That seems impossible as it was literally in the middle of the fireplace- right in the center of the fire. I have no explanation except that God knew my heart and he delights in our relationship with HIM. Trusting him is way more important than any pictures. He used this for MY GOOD and HIS GLORY. So I am so thankful to him for that special Christmas blessing. Really- it's a MIRACLE! A little something extra from God. :)

Blizzard!

2009-12-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

It's hard to say exactly how much snow we've gotten since it is fluffy and blowing around- but it must be nearing 15 inches. In the front yard, it was up to my knees and we still haven't dug out by the back door. That may be a project for tomorrow! As fast a an area is shoveled, it is covered again... at a rate of about 2 inches an hour.

Ben's car is buried.

This picture was taken through the back screen door.

Ed- so happy to have helpers!

Let it Snow!

2009-12-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

It looks like it will be a white Christmas...which is unusual for Virginia! It began snowing last night around 8 PM and is suppose to continue until tomorrow morning! We're expecting between 10-24 inches!! A blizzard warning is now in effect!

Betsy and I plan to bake and wrap presents... maybe even clean out the fridge! Ed and Ben will probably go stir crazy by tonight. Ed was out of the house early this morning to take shovels out to Nathan and Holly. Hopefully, he won't get snowed in out there! Katie's not home from Lynchburg ... she has until Thursday- so we're not worried yet!

This backyard picture will be an interesting measure of how much snow we get... we'll see how the birdbath disappears. More later.....

Oh My!

2009-12-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit overwhelmed...as evidenced in not posting in over a week! This working full time, sewing full time and getting ready for Christmas has been a wee bit crazy. Two kids are home and the cooking has also begun! So, I've been "making my list and checking it twice".... it's way too long!

Last night Ben and his girlfriend helped with the last bit of decorating. It felt so good to finish! The house looks so cheerful.. all red and green and bright! Tomorrow, I'll be posting some pictures.

Fun with BLING!

2009-12-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

I first started collecting vintage earrings not more than 3 or 4 years ago. I came across a vendor at The Big Flea who had a shoebox full of odds and ends and was asking $1.00 for 20 pieces. At a nickle a piece, I am still astonished that I actually left some in the box. What was I thinking?

Recently, my friend Hillary, had asked me to make magnets from my stash of vintage bling to sell at Chicks Picks. I could visualize how cute they would be, but I wasn't ready to part with my cute jar full. (Looking at it brought me some sort of satisfaction???) Well, I found a new source, not a a nickle a pop, but still at a fairly good price...so I got out the pliers and glue and went to town!

I got so much satisfaction, making them into sets and was very happy with the way they turned out. They will be available this week at the Chicks Picks sale!

Leftovers

2009-11-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving behind us, there seem to be leftovers everywhere I look. I packed up any fall decorations this afternoon to make way for the Christmas season!

The pumpkins on the front porch went out with
the evening trash :(
And the flowers from our Thanksgiving table are fading fast.

Thankfully, the kids stayed for dinner before driving back to school- so tonight they ate the last of the left overs. Finally, the refrigerator can breathe! (Can you believe I actually posted this picture?) Scary!

I love Thanksgiving........ kids, cooking, laundry....I need to go back to work and get some rest!
(Really, I do LOVE thanksgiving and my family- I'm just a wee bit pooped!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:38:00.001-08:00

Last year, the day before Thanksgiving, I came up with the idea to make little books for each family member, where we would record what we had been thankful for in the past year. I couldn't find the little notebooks in time. So this year I saw them over the summer, bought them and waited until Thanksgiving eve, but I got them finished. I envision looking back through the years.....seeing God's blessings to our family.

It was such a fun day... having all the kids at home.

The Caccia family joined us for dessert!

Jack held up well without an afternoon nap. :)

Jill Kitty was anxious for the turkey! Yes.. that's a cat on the table!

Hope you and your family enjoyed God's blessings!

Lots of JOY!

2009-11-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

I've had a great time making some more Christmas goodies to sell at The Cottage! I've been decoupaging holiday themed wooden blocks for several years. The blocks are so much fun... love the colors and combining the different patterns. To make it simple, I just kept making them all say JOY this time. Next week, if I have time, I'll probably make HOPE and PEACE.

And I'm still working on pillows too....

JOY and HOPE... it's really what Christmas is all about.

Fun Finds at the Big Flea!

2009-11-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Several weekends ago, I spent Saturday morning at the Big Flea. I was all alone....poking through booths and uncovering some great treasures. I got some beautiful linens, at great prices, a few plastic Christmas ornaments and a huge lot of vintage jewelry. I spent $3.00 for this cute little book. Being red and green, it caught my eye as I imagined it as part of a Christmas vignette. As I picked it up to examine it more closely, an envelope fell out! Now I was certainly going to buy it.....what was written inside the envelope?

I hope you'll take time to read it...written 87 years ago....I wonder what happened to her and Walter..... (click to enlarge)

So either this was a rough draft or more likely an unfinished letter, never to be read by Aunt Netta. It made me think.... 87 years from now, where will our scraps of communication be and who will be reading them? I'm thankful I was the recipient of this scrap.. it made me happy :)

Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy

2009-11-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

Last week I found this precious Thanksgiving postcard posted on The Graphics Fairy. Karen always finds and SHARES such wonderful images. I printed it and made some little decorative cards for several of my friends who love the brown and robin's egg blue. Finding those colors on a Thanksgiving postcard was such a surprise! After printing the card, I adhered it to a scrap of brown card stock, added some vintage seam binding and a little "bling"! It just makes me happy to see such a cute Thanksgiving greeting sitting on my kitchen windowsill.

The Graphics Fairy has a "Brag Monday" post edition where readers post what they have created with the images that Karen shares.. I'm not too sure that I have understood exactly how to participate... we'll see. Click the Brag Monday tag to see some fun projects.

Who's that in the cupboard?

2009-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I went to Richmond to pick up some furniture left to me by a relative. In the dark corner of the basement, my friend noticed this cupboard and insisted that I not leave it for Salvation Army. So, so happy I followed her advice! We got it home, had it refinished and hung in the kitchen. It holds our everyday dishes.... a collection of blue and white.

This little plastic boy came my way from another relative. As a little girl, I would always see it in her kitchen and thought it was so scandalous. His hat comes off so he can be filled with water. Obviously, when his hat is squeezed, he relieves himself! I've never seen another one anything like him. So now, this little guys resides among our everyday dishes. Maybe that's a little odd!

Christmas- Cottage Style!

2009-11-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today after school I rushed to The Cottage. Ann and Linda had really "decked the halls"- completely transforming the shop for their Christmas Open House. It was simply AMAZING! Every nook and cranny was beautiful. Some rooms were very chic.. gold and ironstone with soft muted shades. An there was an entire wall shelving greens and Christmas lambs and these sweet little Christmas wreaths scattered throughout. ( I went home with six!)

Upstairs was a little bed -rescued from my garage and transformed for Santa's little elves. And there was an old red fire engine that Santa had dropped off. Santa had apparently dropped off his britches too!

If the fire engine is there next time, I may need to sit Jack in it and take a Christmas photo of him!

Red and Green....so happy...

Folk art brought from Pennsylvania was charming- feed sack stockings and little paper ornaments stuffed with fresh greens.

Earlier in the week I had dropped off about 30 holiday pillows. It was fun seeing how Linda and Ann worked them into each room.

Cookies for Santa? He didn't show so we helped ourselves.

Ann and Linda~ thanks for your ever inspiring creativity and including me on your adventure.:) You two make cute little elves!

Jack's BIG DAY!

2009-11-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Jack started walking about two weeks ago and was cruising well this weekend- just in time for his big day! So many changes in one year.. it's just amazing!

What a weekend! So much went on in two days, it was hard to edit it all for this post. Believe me, I really did try! We began celebrating Jack's 1st birthday Friday night. Nine family members and 2 boyfriends went out to dinner.

By noon on Saturday. the house was filled with party guests. Holly's friend, Lexi, flew in from New Hampshire to surprise her. It had been several months since she had seen Jack.

Nathan held Jack as they opened presents together. A favorite-a rocking horse whose head actually moves, from Lexi and her dad.

And Jack had his own, personal cake. So cute.. he was cautious at first.

But quickly caught on!

One of the party highlights was when Jack and Ava were sitting together for a birthday photo when.....

Jack got his "first kiss"!

The day ended with with a little Trick or Treating and a very scary "pumpkin head" sitting on our front porch. We wondered why we had so much candy left this year!

Getting Goodies Ready

2009-10-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Linda and Ann this weekend and discovered that I need to have Christmas goodies ready for The Cottage Holiday Open House for November 6th! So between birthday festivities, I have been sewing sewing sewing. There os SO much I want to make...every year I say the same thing~I should have begun in July! This year I decided to do something with my collection of Christmas tablecloths. They are mostly cutters and have been found either on E BAY or flea markets. Even though I never pay more than $10, I always have to get my courage up to cut them.

I'm not sure I can cut this one.. so many cute pictures.

The little banner flags are kinda slow to produce. Layers of interfacing and lots of cutting.

And then rows of stitching.

I can't wait to see them intertwined with fresh greens and hanging up.

Happy Birthday Honey!

2009-10-22T17:43:00.001-07:00

Ed's birthday is Saturday, Oct. 24th and since it will be a busy weekend, I'm posting these birthday wishes early. Old friends from Richmond are coming up to celebrate with us. We're going to see "Jersey Boys" at the National Theater! It will be our second time seeing the play~ we loved it in New York and are anxious to see our friends and kids enjoy the experience.

So~ Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you!

Lucky Girl!

2009-10-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

I consider myself a lucky girl...well, not really lucky, since I don't believe in luck. Maybe a better description would be blessed. I am so thankful that Ed doesn't mind my mess, many collections and half finished projects all over the house. And I'm not kidding when I say all over the house. Not only does each room contain an on going project, but I have the pleasure of having my own little space for my project supplies. The room is tiny and not very useful for "production"- hence projects all over the house, but I love just looking at all the buttons and crafting supplies. This summer, my friend came over for the day and worked on organizing the shelves in that room. When she had finished, ever angle in the room was a little piece of art.

Love, love, love ribbon!

Several handmade pincushions from my collection.

Inspiration board? Probably not, I just like looking at these sweet things.

Buttons and bling needing a little organizational attention!

Button card made by an artist whom I frequent at the flea market.

Miscellaneous collection which makes me smile:)

It's Show Time

2009-10-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy fall and it suddenly hit me this past weekend...Hillary was having her next Chicks Picks show beginning on Thursday! So I've been soldering and decoupaging like a crazy person... finishing a total of 23 pendants and 5 more lazy susans. I made a ton of clipboards, only to discover that I had forgotten to order the cello bags for them. So... the November Chicks show will have an abundance of clipboards and restocked magnets. I just got back from delivering the last few items and took some quick pictures of a few of the products I made this week.

Hillary is so funny... she named the pendants!

Magnets...plenty of them!

And some new designs for the lazy susans.

Here are some cute products that other vendors have made. Rings, rings and more rings!

If you're in the area, stop by the Chicks Picks Home Boutique, tomorrow through Saturday.

Who's that Little BOY?

2009-10-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ed, Holly and I went to Richmond for a wedding. Nathan stayed behind to keep Jack. So this morning I got a phone call from Holly to report that Nathan had taken Jack to get a haircut while we were away. "How short ?" I asked. "Well, they used clippers," she replied. I responded with a gasp. Nathan thought it was time for him to look like a boy!- and he does!!

Tonight we were invited over for dinner and when Betsy and I first saw him our mouths dropped open. It was a bit of a change and he didn't look like a sweet baby anymore. But it wasn't long before I actually liked it, because I realized he could be bald and still just as precious. And those eyes..... Each age, each stage.. it's indescribable! How blessed we are and thankful to God for Jack.

He fit right in with his big friends!

Cute things on the porch!

2009-10-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend there was a lot of activity on the front porch! Jack had such fun discovering the pumpkins!
(Cute thing #1)

I made several arrangements of miniature yellow chrysanthemums to announce that Fall had arrived. They were only $1.49 ea. at Lowes and added so much fun color. (Cute thing #2)

The white pumpkins purchased at The Cottage filled the little green wagon. (Cute thing #3)

When we had this house built 20 years ago, we were so excited to have a front porch . I had visions of family porch gatherings. And over the years, the porch has been host to so much of our history.
Betsy and Stephen enjoyed the fall weather, hanging out on the porch Sunday afternoon.
(Cute thing #4)

Where's Jack?

2009-10-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy busy week at school. Holly and Nathan have both been sick... which means Grandma got extra Jack time! :) But there's been little time for sewing and crafting. So I thought I'd share some fun pictures of Jack Cat. He really is so funny- we find him in the most unusual sleeping positions.

Makes me sleepy just looking at him so relaxed. Goodnight!

Love These Girls!

2009-09-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

For the past three years, I have have had the privilege to co lead a small group Bible study of high school girls. We have been meeting weekly since these now seniors were just "lowly freshmen". On Thursday night, they planned a birthday celebration for me- complete with flowers, a HUGE singing card (which continues to make me smile everytime I open it), a chocolate ice cream cake, and gift cards from my two favorite places- Target and Michaels. (They know me well!)

Each week we eat, study, and pray for one another.

Katie was working at Young Life camp when the group pic was taken this summer... so I wanted to post this one from Christmas.And Crystal was away for the summer... Meghan is giving Crystal a "tummy hug?"

Each of these precious girls have been such a blessing in my life.
Thanks, girls, you made my day!

Out of Control!!

2009-09-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

It's true... the dining room is out of control! For several years now, I have spent hours looking at my favorite blogs, reading about creative endeavors and looking at great photos. I don't recall ever seeing a mess so I thought I'd break the mold and show a really BIG MESS! (Will I regret this?)

Ever since school began in late August, my piles have multiplied. I seem to grab a few minutes to sew and I'm in such a production mode that I work to the very last second then shut down without reorganizing. It, of course, gets to the point that I can't work around that much mess, so I'll stop and clean up.

What I need to do is not work in the dining room. After all, it is for dining! My goal is to clean it up and clean it out. I'm having a bridal shower here in 5 days.....followed by Jack's 1st birthday and then Thanksgiving. So... I'm going to start digging out....

Yes, they have pumpkins!

2009-09-21T15:30:00.001-07:00

About a thousand pumpkins......"The Cottage Gals" brought home two truck loads of the most beautiful and unusual pumpkins from the Amish country in PA. The cottage looks amazing! Last week after school, I stopped by to take some pictures before all the pumpkins were gone. Tomorrow, I am planning to bring some home for our porch.

Love the white ones!

Jack & Jack

2009-09-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over tonight for dinner and Jack arrived in his Chicago Bears jersey. He looked too cute for words and like such a little boy! His daddy was happy because the Bears WON!

Jack Cat had a rough day....he accidentally got left outside Saturday night, so he spent most of the day catching up on his sleep...