Hats

All of the kids needed new winter gear this year. Nothing form last year fit anyone (save coats), so we hit the stores. New boots, snow suits and gloves/mittens were gathered. After looking at the cheap feeling thin hats that were for sale, I was dropped off at the fabric store to get some yarn (I needed a Mommy Time Out...what better place to have one then the fabric store!)

 

Nothing but a hat and books....he just got out of the tub, and put his boots on right away...hat following that.

 

She Loves her hat. Purple with stripes with the fuzzy yarn.

Flora's is rather random and bring....very much like her personality.

They are supper thick, warm and about $3 less a hat then the cheap store ones! I got three done in 24 hours....it took me longer to get mine done.

My To-DO List

I am deep in the middle of cleaning for the Day's of Unleavened Bread. We have all the leavening out, now, to keep going with good deep cleaning!

This is my list to get done with week *by Thursday*:

Livingroom: 

• dust (part way there....)
• vac couch and chair. Shampoo both.
• move everything and sweep and mop
• Tidy remodel materials
• get table set back up for use 
• wash window and curtains
• clean off desk and corner cab, organize! (part way there)

Kitchen: 

• wash out cupboards
• clean out freezers and frig.
• Clean oven (yahoo, first time with a self cleaning oven! LOVE IT!)
• sweep and mop (done at the same time as the living room)
• wash window

 Hallway/laundry:

• finish laundry (one load away)
• wash walls/doors and base boards
• vac/sweep/mop
• dust
• shampoo carpet
• tidy on top of washer and dryer and wash down

Bathroom:

• scrub down tub, sink toilet
• wash walls and base boards
• dust
• sweep/mop

Girls Bedroom:

• toys way, washed as needed
• clothing away
• change bedding
• dust
• wash walls/door
• vacuum and shampoo carpets
• wash window

Master Bedroom:

• Go through clothing
• clean bedding
• dust
• wash window and curtains
• vacuum and shampoo carpet

Pantry and Entryway: 

• go through shoe tub
• clean Peter Rabbits cage
• tidy pantry
• dust
• wash walls/door and windows
• sweep and mop floors
• change smoke dectector batteries all over house

Misc: 

• Get clothing ready
• prepare food
• Clean car/carseats

I so enjoy getting things deeply clean again! It's been a rather dusty winter with the remodel going on!

Time Flies!

Tomorrow our Clara is turning 5. I can not believe how fast the time as gone. I am working on a blog post for tomorrow and making her cake and just enjoying this last day of her being 4. We are all set to have a day of fun tomorrow. Goodies bag with a couple of small presents, cake, her choice for dinner, 2 Veggie Tales we haven't seen yet. It's going to be a fun day!

As for my new weekly schedule...I am a bit behind. Monday was a day where everything else needed my attention. It was way more important to play with my kids and giggle and laugh, then to wash my kitchen walls and cupboards. Tuesday I was right on, and even got some of the kitchen done. I was exhausted Tuesday night so left the pans from the day to be washed Wednesday. I was on a roll yesterday until we had a pipe (water line going to the toilet) bust. Aaron spent most of afternoon and evening getting it fixed, meaning the water was shut off.. So now today I am finish the kitchen and getting back on track. The joy of this schedule, is that I have time to make up missed things. I like that. I am hoping that next week will be even better, and soon this will be a habbit.

 

As a side note, I made an About Us page. Please check it out! Thanks!

Bit of Color

I love throw pillows. I don't have enough of then. I found this idea on a crafting site last week and HAD to make one!

I had some wool felt left over from a project years ago, and it was just the right amount to give it a go. 

Sorry for the dark picture, it is a gray day here, with very little good natural light.

 

I love how it looks, I love that it used scraps and a old throw pillow from our old couch. It's pretty, cheerful makes the couch/chair seem so much more cozy and inviting!

 

I am going to have to get some more wool felt to make a couple more! 

 

 

What a day yesterday. We knew a winter storm was on it's way to us with snow up to 6 inches expected. So after Aaron got home from class, we (meaning Aaron) got the plastic up over the windows to help seal out drafts. Our house was built in 1937, and some of the windows are rather drafty and old. Stapling up plastic (clearish stuff) helps a TON and is very cheap. Hopefully next winter we will have new windows in. 

 

I am glad it got done. We now have a blizzard warning in effect all night tonight and until 10am tomorrow. With the wind chill it could be -20! BER!We got about 6 inches last night and today, and could get another 7ish. I love winter storms.

I never got the sewing done I wanted to yesterday, but am doing it this evening. I was able to visit with a friend who lives far away today, while my dear husband tried to help her with her sewing machine over the phone. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. 

 

I started reading The Little Princess with the girls. So far they are liking it. Sitting and listening to a chapter book is something new to them. We have tried before, but there just wasn't enough to capture their attention. Clara did ok, but Flora was board and wiggly after a page or two!  It was lovely to sit and cuddle in my chair with my girls and read for a while.

I am in a mood to bake, and since my husband took pity on my hurt neck and did the dishes for me today, I think I will make a pumpkin pie for him. I pulled something in my next a few days ago, and its taking a lot time to get back to normal. When I was 15 we moved, it was one man and I unloading all the heavy stuff (piano, china hutch, etc) and my neck/shoulders have never been the same since. I don't hurt them often, as I am usually very good about lifting right, but when I do, it's been taking longer to heal. I think it has something to do with having 3 small children...haha. :) 

 

This has been a rather random post but a nice break. Off to get dinner made and watch the news. Aaron has it on, we want to hear what the weather has in store for us! 

Stay safe and warm!

 

 

Yesterday was a nice quite day. I have said it before, and I will most likely say it again. I love being able to be fed with church online when we can not make it into services. This week Andrew had an odd rush on his chest, I think it was a reaction to something, but better safe then sorry. I would hate to get someone sick if it is contagious.

The kids enjoyed holding, petting and feeding Peter Rabbit most of yesterday. We made snow flakes to hang in the windows and listened to services. Everyone but Clara and Mama had a nap. It was a wonderful relaxing end to last week. This next week is going to be *crazy*. Aaron has class this morning, class Tuesday night and then is spending all day Wednesday (7-7) in the ER in town to get all the air way and IV sets he need. Lord willing, he will get them all in one day. Then Thanksgiving. We are all looking forward to seeing family.

a better picture from later on Friday!

We have arctic air coming our way. They said on they news last night that the valley's could get 4-6 inches of snow and the mountains up to 8 inches. It starts this afternoon. I just looked out the window, and while its sunny, there are some flakes coming down now! Its also going to be COLD. Tonight's low could be as low as 7, tomorrow's is 0. Winter is so pretty!I am so thankful for warm blankets and a getting cozier all the time house!  Today I am making a door cozy. I am sure you have seen them. You put them at the bottom of the door to keep drafts out, a long tube filled with rice, beans, sand, I think anything heavy would work. I have some Warm Window scraps that Aaron tied into a tube that I am going sew a cover for, then add some dried beans to make it heavy. Since putting in the new door in the back, its just the front that is needed. Hopefully this afternoon we can get plastic up over the bedroom windows and the back entry way and hall. While its rather a pain, since we can't see out (its not clean, but still lets in light) but it sure does help a lot.

We have been enjoying Peter Rabbit a lot. Millie is not sure what it is, but has her nose working like a hound's nose should. It was rather funny, usually when she comes in of a evening she checks out under the table for anything that might be saves for her (aka things the kids dropped). Well, yesterday she sniffed all over where the bunny was, we teased her with some treats, which she didn't notice!  Lyla is very excited about it, but food is more important to our 180 lb puppy! :) 

Flora's snowflake. She needed help as she was giggling so hard she couldn't cut right! Anyone who knows Flora can just picture her doing this.

I so enjoy having animals. The girls already help feed the dogs, and now they get to help with Peter Rabbit too. It's fun to see the animals through the kids eyes. And what better way to teach them responsibility!

Clara's Snowflake!

I try and plan a menu for each week. Sadly, I plan, then forget to look at it. So I found this cute idea and places it on the wall in the kitchen. Right by the frig. handy and in a spot I can readily see it often!

Sorry about the reflection on the glass!

I am going to make one for my daily list of chores, and one for the kids. I think they will have fun erasing the chores as they get them done. It will take a matter of a couple seconds to write them out again in the evening and I will feel much more orgnized when it comes to my tasks. We will see how it goes.

Write on the glass with a dry or wet erase marker. And guess what???? You can change out the paper when ever you want!

 

What better way to teach my children, then by example? If I have a smile on my face and enjoy my tasks, then they will too!

Keeping our House Open

I have had this on my mind for a while. Something I have struggled with. By nature, I love to be social and host people at our house. I always have. But there is another side of me. I can just want to be with my family and no one else too. With my husband's job, and the small town we live in, people will just drop by. I LOVE THIS, but I dislike it when my house is messy. 

 

When God provided this house for us, Aaron and I sat down and talked about how we could honor HIM with this blessing. Having our house open is part of that. BUT its also my job to keep it somewhat company ready. Now, since we are 5 people, and three of them are kids and like to play, this is not going to mean picture perfect. It does mean that I keep the floors clean, the kitchen tidy and the bathroom clean. And another side of it, when someone stops by, that we welcome them with a smile and invite them in. Even if the kids just spilled something on the floor. Dishes are in the sink etc. We do after all live here. 

 

We feel that God commands us to be hospitable and open to company. My goal this year is to get better at this, invite more people for dinner, work on keeping my house cleaner, so its easy to tidy daily, be ready with a cheerful attitude when people stop by, even if there is a pile of toys on the floor, or I havn't loaded the dishwasher or swept the floor yet.

 

So, if you are in the area, stop by, say hi and look the other way at the pile of laundry, I am trying to be better, but am not at all perfect!

Blessings!

Burning Energy

We have had rain the last couple days, and our yard is muddy and wet. The kids are feeling antsy and have extra energy to burn. What to do????

Flora being her goofy self, with a shinny hat!

 

Our house is long, with a nice long hall way. Starting at the dinning room to our bedroom door is a clear shot. Here is what we do. Each time the kids run back to our door, touch it, and run back to us (5 times!) they get a penny. Both the girls earned 6 pennies today! 

Clara peeking out of a well loved birthday card. When the girls get mail, they love it to death! Its carried around for days, set aside, rediscovered and love again! They LOVE getting mail!

This is fun for the kids, a tad loud (but we are used to it) and burns off some extra energy! 

 

What are some of your families favorite rainy day, energy burning activities???

The Dew, who enjoyed his chocolate pudding!

After

curtain, I have the feabric for two more....some day they will get done

Dining room area. Sorry for the dark picture.

Computer and book shelf area. Like the blue block I caught in the pictures, as Clara was throwing it to Daddy?

Couch/TV area. with a rug on the floor.

Picture of the floor, although they are a bit darker then this.

New Rule

We have a new rule in our house. It goes something like this, " Daddy and Mama are NOT picking up your toys!"

This new, wonderful rule, came about last week. The girls were just being pills about picking up the mess they had made. All the while I was helping them, I was calmly crabbing at them to pick up. I finally said to my self, "I am done, SOMETHING has got to change!"

I sat down with the girls (Daddy was on a call, but got a full report and threw in his bit as well when he got home). I asked them if they were being kind (respectful) to their toys. I asked them why Mama or Daddy had to fight them to pick up, to which I got this response from Clara, " 'cause you will pick them up!"

Just then a light bulb went off. I told the girls that the messes they make, THEY have to pick up. Mama and Daddy will sit in the room with them, and direct if needed, but THEY are picking up their toys! We will help with laundry, making beds etc....but the toys. We are not touching them!

Guess what? Neither Daddy or I have had to crab at the kids to pick up. Almost every night, the girls (and Andrew) pick up the days fun in the living room before dinner. After dinner we go into their room, and they pick up in there. Now, they are 4, 3 and we are throwing in a 2 year old to "help" so its not perfect, but its done happily, with big smiles and Flora usually starts to sing.  I go in and clean the bird cage, dust, vacuum and change sheets once a week. Its not a huge chore any more! Plus, the kids are learning that the messes they make are THEIR responsibility!

It is Rather Addicting

Quilting that is.

Everyone needs to have something they do, something they can have some quite time doing. Or if you are like me, doing in the mist of feeding, cuddling and loving my family.

I love to quilt. I joke that it is like therapy for my. A lot less money then the other kind too! There have been times I have felt like I have too much to do before I can quilt. But the laundry, dishes and such are never done. There will always be a meal to make, a mess to clean up. If I just fit in when I can, I am a much happier person! I am more motivated to get the job done, then I can sit down and quilt for a while. This is what works for me.

What do you do? Do you have a hobby that you enjoy doing?





Pictures of my sewing today. I got one block done (out of 4) for Month #2 of my Civil War Block of the Month.

Cuddles

Today I woke up with a list to do. Things *I* wanted to get done. My husband and kids had another idea, and I am all too willing to corporate.

Our day started at 7 am when Flora and Andrew woke up. Clara was not ready to wake up, but Flora, while trying to be helpful, got her up.
Aaron had call #1 at 7:30. I got the kids breakfast (homemade yogurt and apricots) and then we headed out into the yard while it was cooler.
Around 10 the kids wanted to watch some Curious Gorge and I laid Andrew down for his nap, intending to start making the jam.
Aaron got home and was hungry and so I made some lemonade and we visited for a few as he ate. We started talking about the projects that need done this week and he suggested I do the jam this evening and we clean up the yard, pull the yucky bushes and plant the burning bushes and lilacs. All right with me, I would love the bushes planted.
Then he got call #2. Flora laid down for her nap and I picked up the yard a bit. At this point Clara was very tired and needed cuddles. I held her for a while and then Andrew was up. Daddy got home and I went to lay down and cuddle Clara while she went to sleep. Just as she was asleep (YEAH!) he got call #3.
So, no bushes pulled yet today and no jam done. But lots of lovin' on my kids who need me the most. The other stuff can wait!

Home Sweet Home-Improvments

This last week as been busy, as I am sure you noticed with the lack of posting. I try to do something everyday (or at least every other day). I have found that I am always thinking about what to post, and have found that I have a more cheerful/thankful attitude because of it. It makes since, I am always thinking about the blessings God has giving us.

Today we are getting ready for Nana to come and visit. Because my sister works and has her hens (anyone in the Seattle area wanting organic, farm raised eggs let me know!) she is not coming yet. Mom will be here for a few days, then the kids and I are heading back with her. We are going to go camping out on the San Juan Islands! The kids have been playing "camping" for the last 4 days!

Now for the home improvements that went on this last week. The city replaced the sewer main right out side our house, and while that was going on, Aaron replaced the sewer line on our side. Blessings in this, no more clogged toilets, etc. The city line was busted all the way though right after the old connection to our house. This would account for the problems we have had. While Aaron was doing the exit line, he also replaced the part the toilet bolts to and well as some of the plumbing under the house. Since we are wanting to remodel and move the kitchen, he didn't do any of that stuff. Another blessing, we though we were going to have to replace sub-flooring around the toilet, because it was "soggy" feeling. Well, come to find out, the floor is not wet (!) but the support column that held up a beam in that area, was not up! Problem fixed, and a lot less $$$.

Our insurance company has a couple things they want us to do before the say the house is "insurable" (we have 20-30 days to fix them). They are very simple things like getting the tree branches off the roof and also replacing and painting a soffit on the eve that is needing replaced. All things we were planning on doing, and not a lot of $ involved. Aaron has been trimming the trees (we have two HUGE willows RIGHT by the house) and we are getting a bit of firewood in the process.

Well, I should get back at it. We are cleaning the yard up, doing laundry and I want to re arrange the living room.......

Curtain Fun

I love curtains, and have great ideas in my head, but they don't work all the time in real life.

Here are a couple quick, and cheap ideas that did work! These are both "no sew" curtains.

This valance I have in the hall way. It is made of a piece of fabric I have, but didn't want to sew it, since I will most likely want to use it for something else. I just took a rubber band at each end to make it gathered and slipped if over the ends of hooks for the lace.

This (minus the new curtain) is what you saw when you entered our house. Since the back door is the one that most people come to (because of where the gate is). It looks messy and I was tired of it. So I did this:


Canvas painters drop cloth, a remnant, curtain clips and a bit of hot glue.

Close up of the fabric. I am going to pick up a trim for the bottom edge.

TADA!

Out Of Whack

When our daily schedule gets out of whack, we are all out of whack. Yesterday we spend a wonderful Sabbath with Grandma and Grandpa and enjoyed church at Pacific Church of God. The drive for us, one way, is 3 hours. By the time we got home last night, all the little people (and the big, if would just admit it) were tired and crabby. We had a small dinner, and then bed time.

Andrew is working on his last baby teeth and has been crabby the last couple days. Last night was awful. He was up a lot (every 45mins about) wanting his mama. I was out of teething pain relief, so I just had to cuddle him lots. Aaron slept great and it was a good thing too, he got a call at about 6am, just before the kids got up. Andrew was in bed with me, when Clara came in and told me it was day time and I "had" to get up. Silly girl. With in a matter of a couple minutes, Flora was awake. Into the living room we go and cuddled on the couch until Daddy got home at a bit after 8. Back to bed I went for another hour.

The kids are all a bit crabby today, and Clara is even taking a nap. She must be tired, since she doesn't nap at all these days.

Flora, orney streak out in full force, is driving her brother nuts. He just wants to be left alone.

On day like this, when I have not had enough sleep, and it doesnt matter how much coffee I have, and just can't get going or into anything. These days seem to be the ones I have packed full of to-do's!

This next week is going to be crazy busy for us, and all out of whack. Tomorrow we are butchering the meat birds. Then Tues-Thurs Aaron is going to be at classes all day. I am planning on getting some sewing done while he is gone. Still, nothing will be normal.

What are some of your tips for helping little's when your schedule is all out of whack?

Master Bedroom

I was reading an article a while ago about the importance of keeping the master bedroom clean, tidy and if you are married, a romantic place. I got to thinking about how our bedroom is. It was a mess, a catch all for anything and everything that needed stashing. It was not romantic at all. I almost never made then bed up in the morning.

When visiting a friends house this last week, we got the grand tour and I was inspired by her bedroom. It was simple, pretty and a wonderful retreat for her and her husband.

SO yesterday I attacked and deep cleaned our bedroom. One point of the article was that most of the time, IF we take a little bit of time in the morning to make our beds (married or not) and tidy our room, that thought and care then keeps going all day. For the married folks, the marriage bed is called Holy, our bathrooms are not. We should be making it a top priority to show our husbands how much we care by a clean, tidy, cozy place. I found this to be so yesterday, I was so happy and pleased with my work I went on to clean the girls room and and started on the sewing room. I am still motivated to keep going today!

So, my goal is to tidy up our room and make the bed each morning. Deep cleaning (dusting, washing the window, changing the sheets, vacuuming and such) once a week before Sabbath.

Here are some picture, I would be way to embarrassed to post befores. And for give that partial painted walls, We ran out of paint and need to get some more.

From the door. Dresser and part of the wardrobe. Aaron collects and fixes antique sewing machines, we gathered them up and put them on top of the wardrobe, they are so pretty and its a handy place to store them, look SO much better then the tubs I had before.



Our bed looking towards the door. The big white pillow is the one we prayed on at our wedding. My wonderful Mother-In-Love made the cover.



Pretty little candle holders on the book shelf by the bed.

Top of the dresser.

Rocking chair and quilt rack in front of the little closet. I love quilts and have them all over the house. Either ones I have made, family has made or ones I have adopted. :)

Andrew's bed by the door and closet. That wall will be the Mauve color too.
The room might seem dark to some, but we love it. Since Aaron needs to sleep during the at times, the heavy brown curtains and darker walls make it nice a cozy for naps, both for the Man and the Little Man who shares our room.

Lighting

I am on a mission to find romantic, and pretty lighting for my home. I have a great lamp in the living room that is waiting for the right shade, but had a very basic lamp in our bedroom. We painted the walls a dark mauve and our room as one small window. This is perfect for the times when Aaron needs to sleep as the room is nice and dark. The problem with the lamp that is in there is its very basic and not at all romantic.

While in town today I found these lamps on clearance. With the cost of the shade (on of those ones that has sticky stuff on it, and you cover with the fabric of your choice), lamp and trim. I got them for a bit less then the original price. Good deal if you ask me!

I will post pictures when I get our room redone with the lights and new curtains! For now, you get the white walled back drop of the living room.

My Job

On Sabbath we heard a sermon that I felt was meant just for me. I love sermons like it. It was on how we view and honor God in our work. Be it working for someone else or like me, at home. The minister made a point that stood out to me. We, in how we act can worship and honor God in our jobs. It also can go the other way, it can be dishonoring. He used the example that God worked for 6 days when creating the world. He didn't do His partial best, he gave it His all. With JOY, then He rested on the 7th day. He also made the point that we are making our mark in this world. Are we letting our lights shine in our job? Or do we grumble and complain about how God has provided for us.

I don't know about you, but with 3 little ones, I often find my self in a bad mood when it comes to house work. I felt like I was ALWAYS doing the dishes, or picking up messes. Not pleasing God at all in my actions. I have made it my goal to do my house work and job of keeping home, with a joyful attitude. I am so very blessed.

Thank God for dirty dishes,
They have a tale to tell.
While others go hungry,
We're eating very well.
With a home and health and happiness,
We shouldn't want to fuss.
For by this stack of evidence,
God's been very good to us.

~ Amish Poem out of the Lanc. County Cook Book

Herb Cards into Pictures

A few years ago, my mom gave me these wonderful herb cards, on the front of them is old pictures of the plants them self and on the back was a history of how they were and still can be used. I LOVE these cards and have been trying to think of some way to display them. Since they are just a bit bigger then playing cards, I was drawing a blank. Then, while I was looking at a home decorating website, I came up with this idea.





The pictures of these are not the greatest, but all I did was take 4 cards per frame, glued them down and done. Took me 20 mins. I am going to make a set of 4 of these. I LOVE how they turned out.