4 Fab Franklins

Roadmap to Success

2014-02-19T11:25:00.000-06:00

Little brother had the opportunity to give wrestling a try this season. He didn’t win any championships or go to state, but he did stick with it and gave it his all. He improved with time and hard work, got in shape, and I think he even surprised himself.

Wrestling is balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, positioning, strength, speed, footwork, hustle, mental focus, mental toughness, core strength, concentration, and endurance.

As a mom it’s hard to watch your child get thrown like a hay bale. It’s hard to sit back and let them learn to figure things out for themselves. It’s also an enormous joy when one day, like someone flipped a switch, they come out on top. I couldn’t be more proud. I am his biggest fan!

I’m so glad he gave it a try. He walked off that mat with self-confidence, work ethic, respect, humility and a roadmap to success.

I guess that makes me on official "wrestling mom", huh?!
Well, I accept, wholeheartedly.

Dad's First Half Marathon

2013-04-24T15:12:00.000-05:00

We got up nice and early Sunday morning.

Big Daddy was running in his very first Half Marathon.

What a beautiful morning.

The sun was shining, for a while anyway.

Aunt Gayle ran in the race too.
She's a Rock Star!

This military guy ran while carrying 100 pounds.

I don't know why.

But we waited at the finish line to cheer for him.

He looks pretty darn good for having just done all that!

The kids enjoyed being there cheering for their dad.

"What I learned today.. Running is hard, doesn't matter your age.. it takes physical training, a proper diet, discipline, a good support system, and a whole lot of inner strength. Runners really earned my respect today.. Congrats to all of those who call themselves runners!!" ~Big Daddy

We're proud of you Dad.

Let go home and get ready for the next one.

err...ugh...Let's EAT!

Today I am Thankful

2013-04-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

Today at Baker University we're wearing our running shoes as a way of honoring the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Doing our small part to advocate the path of Running Towards Peace.

This tragedy hits too close to home for us.
Our neighbors, both teachers, were there running in the marathon.

My heart hit the floor like a lead weight when I heard the news.
I can't imagine the fear their family was going through, the fear of their students!

Instagram Friday

2013-04-12T13:55:00.000-05:00

It's been an interesting week.
We've experienced every season in the past 5 days.

We've had the heat, air conditioner, and the heat back on again.

We've been in shorts and flip flops one day, and sweaters the next.

Weird.

I'm hookin' up with Jeannett over at Life Rearranged.

It's fun to see what everyone's been up to all week.

Are you on Instagram? Come find me, I'm Jill Franklin aka: 4 Fab Franklins
See ya there!

Easter Wit' Ma Peeps

2013-04-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

We've been patiently waiting the arrival of Spring.
So much so that we made a stop at Sonic for drinks.
Nothing says summer like Sonic!

Easter Sunday was absolutely Beautiful!
The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the birds were singing.
Kind of like in Snow White when all the animals sing.

We had smoked ham, homemade mac & cheese, green beans, and it just wouldn't be Easter without my very own deviled eggs....and pineapple upside down cake for desert.
It was soooo good!

We had a guest join us for dinner. Her name is Gloria and she's a Baker student.
She is beautiful, talented, nice, wonderful, loving, caring, creative, smart ....I could just go on and on about this girl.

Anyway...Gloria recently went to England.
I wanted to hear all about it.

Baker University offers a fantastic Study Abroad Program.
The most popular is the Harlaxton program in Grantham, England.
Students live and study for a semester in a Victorian manor.
Immersing themselves in British history, literature, political theory and business.

Photo Credit: Baker University

Isn't it dreamy?
I would LOOOOVE to go there someday.

I really wanted to hear all about her experience.
I really Really wanted my kids to hear first hand about it.

After listening to Gloria, Carody now seems to have the next few years planned out.
Or at least she's begining to think about her choices.
I think the wheels started turning in Caden's head too.
It would absolutely BLOW My Mind if my kids got to do this.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After dinner, and lots & lots of stories, we got some pics with the Grandma's.

Granny Jo.

Grandma Di.

And the kids.

...and the kids being kids.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Carody had her Spring Choir Concert at school.
This cute little gal is her BFF from always...McKayla.
They've been friends ever since they started school.
I like that.
It's been a real treat watching them grow up together.

Enjoy your weekend.
I hope the weather is beautiful and you can get outside.
Take lots of pictures and share them with me. K!?

re{collection} Monday ...the snowy spring eddition

2013-03-25T11:05:00.001-05:00

My weekend captured through Instagram.

Caden turned 13 last week.
He had some friends over and they went to Sky Zone, a trampoline playing field.
They had a GREAT time.

How to make a boy happy: Pizza - Trampolines - Cake!
Easy Peasy.

In addition to cinnamon rolls, I made some yogurt parfaits for breakfast.

Didn't know if the boys would really eat them, but wanted them to have something a little more healthy.

They've had A Lot of sugar in the last 24 hours!

Survey says:

2 - Yes and 2 - No.

My breakfast.

Just as I got the last boy home, it started to snow.

Again.

A lot.

Neither myself nor my kids are fond of cold.

Or snow.

So on days like today, we clean.

Hey, it needed it and it doesn't take long, then the rest of the day is down time.

YES!

Sissy's room is clean!

I can actually see the floor.

How long do you think it will stay this way?

The view as I cleaned the kitchen.

The view as I vacuumed the stairs.

...and the view as I got another cup of coffee.

About 7:00 the sky started to clear and the sun tried to come out.

Not for long though.

You know when your husband is the handy man and your house is always the last to get any attention?

That's how it is at my house when it snows.

Big Daddy comes home and clears the snow when he's done with everyone else.

Maisy and Mitsy are so excited to see him!

He's been out all night pushing snow,

and Maisy has missed him.

She loves her daddy and her cuddle time.

Ok.It's Monday and I'm a working gal ya know.Gotta get this work week started.I'm off. Enjoy your day!

Thirteen

2013-03-20T15:18:00.004-05:00

Dear Caden,Today is the day you're officially a teen.A Teen!Ohmygosh! Where did the time go?

There are many things I love about you.If someone asked me to describe you in just one word,I don't think I could do it. You are...

Delightful and Kind.

Funny and Campy.

Smart and Clever.

Caring and Giving.

Amusing and Entertaining.

Creative and Imaginative.

Charming.

Articulate.

Caden, you are Priceless!

You make me laugh, you make me happy,

and most of all you make me proud.

Happy 13th Birthday Cadenbear,

I love you to "Infinity & Beyond!"

Love,

Mom

Surf's Up & Frozen

2013-02-07T13:38:00.001-06:00

The Day the Music Died.

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

These three Rock singers died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 at the height of their career.
Every generation has their music idols.
These three were among the greatest, of the 1950's generation.

In my opinion, of all time.

Every February 2, since the 1979 twentieth anniversary of the original "Winter Dance Party", the Surf Ballroom hosts a "Winter Dance Party" tribute. Everyone dresses in 50's attire and dances the night away.

It's like going back in time.

People of all ages come out to celebrate.

My mom and dad had stacks of 45's they used to listen to. I grew up listening to this music, and I absolutely love it!

When my mom and dad were growing up they used to go to Teen Town and dance...all. the. time.
I would have loved to grow up in a time where things were simple and pure fun.

Look below, there's Gary Busey, he played Buddy Holly in the movie "The Buddy Holly Story". That guy with the yellow scarf, that's Ritchie Valens brother Bob. Gunnar Nelson, the son of Ricky Nelson was there with his brother Mathew. There's the Buddy Holly guy, the Jerry Lee Lewis guy, and Marvelous Marvin who plays the sax like NObody else.
There's no way you can sit sill. NO Way!

I love the music.
I love the dancing.
I love the fun.
I love dressing up.
I love seeing my friends.
I love the history.
And I love listening to the stories.

Clear Lake is thee most charming town.

"I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

It is SO cold!

Ohmygosh it's cold!

I'll bet this lake is beautiful, when it's not frozen!

The shopping is Great!
Fun places and friendly people.

I look forward to going back.
Better get started on my outfit for next year!

Hand Jive
Peggy Sue
Poodle Skirts
Bobby Socks
Hot Rods & Rockabilly

will

"Not Fade Away."

"Sorry I can't stick around Slick, I gotta "split."

...that's 50's talk for "I'm outta here."

Sausage Breakfast Loaf

2013-01-30T09:37:00.000-06:00

I recently tried a new recipe, and love it!

Sometimes you just gotta have a manly meal. Ok, it's kinda manly, mostly it's just yummy!

It's a great way to start the day, you should give it a try.

Ingredients

1 lb. breakfast sausage (or you may use smoked kielbasa or polish sausage)
1-1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tube (10 oz) refrigerated pizza dough

Directions

In a large skillet, saute the sausage; cool. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cheese, one egg, parsley, onion salt & garlic salt.
Unroll pizza dough; roll into a 12-in. x 8-in rectangle. Spread sausage mixture down the center of dough. Bring dough over filling; pinch seams to seal.
Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; tuck ends under.
Beat remaining egg' brush over top. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

Makes 6 servings

Enjoy!

Snow Sweet

2013-01-29T14:43:00.002-06:00

There's no doubt, snow is beautiful.

It's captivating how something descending softly and gently can silence the world with its purity.

Some see snow as a symbol of something beyond us,

a magic that covered the earth while we slept.

It's alluring how much the bright glitter of snow lights up the day.

Very rarely do I get out in the snow.

I'm not fond of the cold or the messy muck that follows behind.

Being inside, cozy and warm and dry, the wind howling around the house, a warm fire,

and making hot chocolate with my family.

That's how I prefer to spend my snow days.

However, if I had stayed in today,

I would have missed all this.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

More Than Words

2013-01-23T15:32:00.001-06:00

Where have all the good manners gone?

I am constantly reminding my kids to use their manners.

"Do unto others as you would have done to you."
Isn't this the Golden Rule?

I didn't see this today as I held the door open for a young girl and her mother.
Neither one said thank you...
didn't even look at me.

"Please," "thank you," and "no thank you" are staples in our house.

So why do I feel like we're in the minority?

Simply saying thank you is a sign of courtesy that tells a lot about a person's character.

Anyone can say the words, but a truly grateful heart will not just utter, but show, genuine thankfulness.

InstaFriday

2013-01-18T11:30:00.001-06:00

T.G.I.F. my friends. It's a three day weekend!
I don't know why I'm so excited after having a long Christmas break.
But, Yay!

Big Daddy got himself a new comfy chair.
He gets pretty dreamy eyed just thinking about it.
We need to name it!

By his new chair is a pic of us long long ago.

Before marriage.

Before kids.

I set it out with my Valentine's decor.

I got a new phone.

I think I like it.

Not used to it yet.

I don't know if I'm comfortable taking what my daughter calls 'selfies."

My little Maisy got in trouble.

She wont look at the camera.

I Love her!

Even when she's naughty.

Which isn't very often.

I've been trying real hard to eat better.

With a little treat every now and then.

If you eat your cupcake like this...

It's totally worth it!

My kids are in the habit of taking my phone.

Well mostly my daughter.

The Queen of "selfies!"

Around town this week.

It was a good week.

Linking up today with these cool cats:

You should too!
Hope you enjoy the weekend!

Back to Reality

2013-01-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

I enjoyed a good, long break with my family over the holidays. I've since started back to work and the kids are back to school as well. I love my job, and I love being in a routine, AND I love blogging about it. So why am I having a hard time putting my thoughts together? It's like my brain went into hibernation and now it just can't wake up.

It's weird.

Honestly, I think I put too much pressure on myself to keep up with the other bloggers.

Be pretty.
Be fashionable.
Be crafty.
Be organized.
Blog EVERY Day.

I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Go back to being me?

One Little Word: 2013

2013-01-08T14:38:00.000-06:00

My one little word for 2013, as you can see, is STAND.

I have a history of allowing others to make decisions for me. I have a history of letting others look past me. I've learned over the years to just go with the flow in order to keep peace.

Not any more.

This year I will:

Stand Up for myself.

Stand Up for what I believe in.

Stand Up for what I want.

Stand Up for what I need.

I know this is short and sweet, but I just can't seem to put into words my story, my feelings, or my thoughts. I know, right!? This is a hard one for me. But. I am committed to making this work.

I need to make this work.

You've come a long way baby!

2013-01-03T12:13:00.001-06:00

"Don't look at how far you have to go,

look at how far you've already come!"

Joyce Meyer posted this on facebook this morning, and I thought it was perfect.A perfect representation of my photograph, and a perfect quote to start the new year. Give yourself credit for your accomplishments and efforts, you deserve it!

I think so many of us fall into the comparison trap, whether we compare ourselves to others or to the ideal person we've built up in our minds.

“Give yourself the credit you deserve to build confidence and continue to squash doubt. It’s time to stop minimizing your accomplishments, telling yourself that anyone could have done it or that it was no big deal. When you look at what you do, don’t make comparisons with your ideal or what you think is best; don’t compare yourself with what you think other people can do. It is important to give yourself credit for the effort and not the outcome…Giving yourself credit means recognizing your effort as well as your accomplishments.”
Book Source: Think Confident, Be Confident

Try this:
Write down 5 things you can give yourself credit for each day.
Have your kids join in too and talk about every one's accomplishments over dinner.

What's one thing you can give yourself credit for today?

Winter Formal

2012-12-17T10:30:00.002-06:00

Over the weekend, Sissy got all dressed up in her formal dress, styled her hair, and even put on some make-up. This is an extraordinary thing for her, as she's not really "into" that sort of thing. After all, it's the Winter Formal.

Her boyfriend came to pick her up, tie in hand. It was cute.

If only you could have seen his reaction when she walked out to greet him...

it made me smile.

He looked at her, and then he looked at her again and said, "Whoa!"

Now, ladies, when you can make a guy stop everything he's doing and say Whoa!

That's when you know you look Gooood!

NO one makes it out of MY house without having some pictures taken.

Awwww! Sweet.

Hey, check out the dancin' shoes!

Once we were done taking pictures:

Sis went into the kitchen, draped a napkin over the front of her,

and started tearing into some barbecued ribs.

THAT's my girl!

We bent the rules for one night and let Boyfriend drive her to the dance.

Besides, the school isn't even a quarter of a mile away from the house.

From what I understand, they had a pretty great time.

Flashback Friday {retro christmas}

2012-12-14T14:25:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a great time to reminisce.

Part of the wonder of Christmas comes in the sights, sounds and smells of the season. They carry a certain nostalgia, giving us the chance to relive the magical moments of our favorite Christmas memories: waking up to a blanket of freshly fallen snow ....baking homemade cookies ....driving through neighborhoods in search of the brightest Christmas lights ....midnight mass.

Of all the holiday's Christmas was the most special of all. I remember the Sears and Penny's catalog WISH editions. I remember sitting on my bed dreaming of all the great stuff inside.

Cookies. I remember lots and lots of cookies! The Christmas cookies my mom made were many, and so SO yummy! I remember the sugar cut out cookies and a few other varieties that involved icing, sprinkles, and a big mess. All. Totally. Worth it.

There were only a few TV stations to watch, so when the Christmas specials such as Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman came on, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch.

I don't know who sent it, but every year we would get a tin of Topsy's Popcorn.

It. was. my. Favorite! Carmel, Cheese & Cinnamon. Yummm!

Whether or not I got what I really wished for ....I mostly recall the anticipation of Christmas most of all. And I think that is what's so special about it for our kids ...it's the season and what you do within the season.

Happy Holidays!

Small Town ~ Big Heart

2012-12-11T13:51:00.001-06:00

I am thrilled beyond thrilled that I live in a small town where pride still runs deep and people pull together when the need arises. Baldwin has come together in an all-out support effort for Molly Joyce and her family.

Molly was very excited to see her dog Reagan after over a month apart. NOTICE the BIG smile.

The support has now worked its way to Facebook, blogs, businesses, churches, and homes everywhere.

Graham, Molly's brother, riding on her horse Kate in the Lawrence Downtown Christmas Parade. Riders wearing Molly Shirts.

Even KU basketball coach Bill Self is showing his support by wearing his Molly bracelet.

The kids at Molly's school love and miss her very much.
They're holding fundraisers and showing their support as much as they passably can.

Even the kids at Lawrence High School support Molly.

Sometimes living in a small town gets a bit ... well, small townish. If ya know what I mean. It may be old fashioned, but it makes me proud to know in times of need, this small town sticks by one of its own.

My Teen Baby Mama

2012-12-10T10:53:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I'll bet that title caught your attention, hugh!

No, I'm NOT a grandma, and I don't plan on being one for a loooong time.

Sissy’s high school class was given a two-day project: Raise a fake infant to simulate what it would be like to raise a baby; mostly to discourage kids from having real babies. Each student was given a RealCare baby of their own, which contains multiple sensors to detect any abuses. It cries and you have to figure out what it needs; diaper change, feeding, burping, rocking, etc. The students were graded based on the amount of abuses the baby detects. The neck of the baby is extremely delicate.

Sis took full responsibility for her baby. The first day went perfect, that evening was a different story. The responsibilities got to be overwhelming. But, she pulled herself together and did a great job. Sick of the crying, exhausted from tending to the baby’s’ needs around the clock, and frustrated from not knowing exactly what to do. Remember that baby manual we wish we all had?

I’m sure she was more than happy to turn in her baby. Sis received a 90% on the project. Evidently she broke the kids neck once or twice. *lol!* I've wanted to break my kids neck once or twice, know the feeling?

I personally think she deserved a 100%, as she gave it her all and did a fantastic job! All except for the broken neck, Mom gives you an A+!

This picture cracks me up!

"For two days I had to take care of a RealCare Baby (it is a doll). It is almost lifelike and it cries and makes feeding noises like a real baby would. It cries when it is hungry, when it needs a diaper change, and when it needs to be burped. This project taught me what it is like to have a real baby and i realized how difficult it is and how to take care of a baby. The baby can start crying at anytime and it will cry if its head goes back (that is to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome). I had it for two whole days and at woke up many times in the middle of the night. It cried at 3:00am until 4:00. It also cried from 6:00 until 6:30. This project taught me how difficult it is to take care of a child and how much responsibility it takes. I received 90% on this assignment therefore i am awesome at taking care of a real baby. It was a great and educational experience for me. I don’t want to do it again but i recommend others to try it."

I think this was an eye opening experience for her. I find it an effective way to reach today's youth. There are no childcare questions on the SAT or ACT's, but the the kids learn from these babies might be some of the most important information of their lives. At some point, most will care for a child.

Until the day babies can care for themselves, the need for appropriate childcare will always remain.

Allrighty then... I've got my own kids to take care of. I outta here!
Enjoy your week!

Thursday Thoughts {all heart}

2012-12-06T14:12:00.003-06:00

"It's the thought that counts" ... right!? However, it's only true when you actually {act} on that thought.

Our friend Molly has made her way to the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska. This is absolutely THRILLING news!

Yes, she's really in there.

She is doing well... she took a shower for the first time, ate a vanilla wafer, and she laughed.

(I'm sure that laugh had to be the very best sound to her parents)

All wonderful signs of anticipated improvement.

You can read her dad's most recent post here.

This got me thinking... the hospital is now their home.

For how long? Nobody knows.

What can we do to make it more home-like for all of them?

I should send them a card. I could make them some cinnamon rolls.

I ought to take them something.

That's me sometimes, ok a-lot-a-times, Mrs. Shoulda Coulda Woulda who waits until it's too late.

It's never too late by the way.

So I Googled, asked friends and co-workers.

I asked my kids.

I even asked some nurse friends of mine.

"What are some good gift ideas to make the hospital more comfy?"

Here's what I came up with:

A Lap Desk with a squishy bottom if comfortable and fun to use in a hospital bed.

Image by: Google

A Pocket Activity Book goes well with the lap desk.

Pretty hair bands or clips may help counteract the drabness of that hospital gown.

Fuzzy Slippers or Socks with Non-Skid Bottoms. Hospital floors are cold, hard, and gross!

Image by: Google

A fun blanket or snuggie makes the room feel less sterile.

Image by: Google

A journal, notebook, and bright colored pens are great for writing.

Lip balm and lotion. The tubes, medications, and dietary meals can cause dryness.

Stuffed animals for physical comfort and emotional comfort. (these items must be new, not used: hospital rules)

KU Basketball Coach, Bill Self is a Molly Fan!

Alrighty then ~ Let's Do This!

I'm thinking

Hospital Hospitality Box

Yeah, that's what I'll do.

You in?

I think I've pretty much got ideas for Molly covered.

But what would give her folks some much needed comfort?

If you have any ideas, or you'd like to participate,

even if it's just a card letting them know you care...

email me at jill.franklin@bakeru.edu

Molly's brother Graham riding his sister's horse in the Christmas Parade, with friends Wendy & Caleb.

Side Note: This post is mostly me, putting my thoughts together. However, as I've said, the Ogden Family needs us. We've just been through the season of being Thankful, now is the season of giving. Even if you don't give to their family, like Molly's dad said, there are other kids in the hospital that need us as well. Only you can make that thought really count.

Oh, What Fun It Is

2012-12-05T14:43:00.000-06:00

One of the things I love about the holiday season is getting

the Christmas tree with the family.

Kinda strange going tree hunting in 70 degree weather.

I love how serious everyone gets looking for "the one."

Big Daddy takes it very seriously, it's cute!

Hey, look who runs this place!

It's one of my teachers from High School, long long ago.

Mr. Crawford.

...and these two handsome tree helpers are his grandsons.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

This is how we do it!

2012-11-29T14:53:00.000-06:00

Since returning to work after the "never ending Thanksgiving", I've been swamped!
Hence, the lazy man's blog post.
Here are some more photos from Thanksgiving with my family.

We had great fun and food with family.

My brother.

I've named him The Meat Master, he's a great cooker of meat. Any kind!
He usually smokes a turkey, my fav!
This year he deep fried a regular turkey, and a Cajun turkey.
My initial thought was, "Cajun turkey? Gross."

It. Was. FAB-U-lous!

The weather was wonderful for visiting old friends and neighbors too.

Now it's time to start planning Christmas!

Yaaaayyy!

I'm Full

2012-11-28T15:28:00.000-06:00

Grateful, Joyful & Thankful.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving!

We did! It was full of yummy food, friends, and family.

I’m thankful for each and every one of you that stops by reads my nonsense, tries my food, and shares the love. You guys really make this a cool place to be.

Let's talk about Chicks, Man!

2012-11-20T12:47:00.000-06:00

I'm talkin Craft Chicks!

Do you remember going to summer camp as a kid?

My roomies, Joanna & Ali.

As it Whatever Craft Weekend approached, the excitement and anticipation took over my every thought. Let's just say I began packing weeks, maybe even a month in advance. To say I was pumped up would clearly have been an understatement. I could hardly wait to get there and be surrounded by all my new friends.

Sweet Angela

Like summer camp, it's all about getting away and meeting with, or making new friends. And it's one of the best times of your life. You would do so many cool things together and build bonds that you felt as though it could last forever. Often at the end of the week, you would be upset that you had to leave, promise to write one another, stay in touch, and meet up again.

Paige & April

Then you never talked again.

My new friend Shannon

Not anymore!

Now we have all kinds of gadgets and social media.

And Blog Buddies too...

Woo-Hoo!

Megan and Myself ~ I borrowed this pic from Becky because I didn't have one of us and because I like it!
Thanks Becky for making me look good!

This is Becky, I've been a follower/stalker of her blog for about a year or two.
I was so very excited to meet her. She was exactly how I pictured.

Think of Whatever Craft Weekend as summer camp for grownups.

We've all been dropped off at a weekend long camp with fantastic cabins and great food. Each night we gather at a loooooooong table over a yummy meal. And as the Kansas wind blows outside Meg puts on some sweet sounding tunes and we talk and make stuff.

(blurry...boo! insert sad face.)
THIS lovely craft chick is Kimberlee.
SUCH a gem! SUCH a happy girl. SUCH a cook.

Drum Roll Please!
THIS is Meg.
I'm so very excited to have met her. Sweet, hospitable, creative. The whole shebang!

It's Craft Weekend time, after all!

Be crafty, be campy, be serious, be YOU.

Some of my fondest memories of my youth are from time spent at camp.

I guess I'm still a kid at heart, cuz I still get excited for going to camp, being at camp,

and for the friends I've made at camp.

This photo property of Meg.

When ever I pass by a Sonic, Donut Shop, or an Antique store,

Or when ever the torrential Kansas wind blows... I will think of you,
my craft chicks.

Love Ya, Man!

Read Meg post {Here!}
And for Pete's Sake - get your name on that list!

That's all folks. It's a wrap.

My bags are unpacked, put away the crafts, and returned to every life.
That is all.
The End

**I don't know WHY my pictures look so bad in this post, it's annoying!**

Shopping, and Eating, and Crafting! Oh My!

2012-11-19T15:26:00.003-06:00

I'm coming to you today with a hat on.

It's windy... again, and I over slept.

It's been *that* kinda day.

Hey did I tell you I went to Whatever Craft Weekend?

And I'm so glad I did!

My original plan was to walk you through the experience step by step.

And then I realized that would be the most lame blog post known to mankind.

So instead I tried to pick the best of the nearly 300 pictures I took.

On Saturday we did what every girl was born to do...go shopping!

We piled into the van and headed to the antique stores and salvage barn.

On the way we found some fantastic old houses, barns, cows and windmills.

The antique store had something for everyone.

Dishes, globes, picture frames, quilts and more.

The Barn had Evvveeerrryyyttthhhiiinnnggg!

There were railroad tracks behind the barn.

Perfectly parallel.

Imagine...

Where do they go?

How long have they been there?

What stories could these tracks tell us?

Craft Weekend food.

We Eeeeee... are never ever ever getting back together.

{I'm just pulling your apron strings}

The food.

oH Mygosh,

Was. The. BOMB!

Kimberlee Jost made us the most yummy food.

She needs to write a cookbook cuz she ROCKS the kitchen I tell ya.

These pics belong to Familybringsjoy.com as I didn't take any pics of the food...I ATE it!

I am now officially on a diet.

Not a good tome of year for a diet.

Crafting.

Yes, we actually did some crafting.

It was fun and it felt good to actually finish something I had started.

I believe there were 6 projects.

The famous apron.

Yes, I made one.

Yes, I used a sewing machine.

A recycled sweater bracelet.

A cute bubble neclace.

A super cute flower pin.

A needle point frame art thingy.

It's super cute too!

And we decorated JOY letters.

So here I sit, at the corner of

Happy & Gratified.

Meg has a great post about the weekend.

Go meet her and see more in detail{Here}

Put your name on the list,

You know you wanna!

Next time,

"Let's talk about Craft Chicks, Man!"