Crunchy, Crafty and Crazy

Updates!

2013-01-19T22:20:00.000-06:00

Lord, have mercy! Not writing since June is not acceptable! There has been a LOT happening in those 6 months!

First, my hubs bought me the...Silhouette CAMEO for my birthday! OMG! Love it! It's opened up a whole new world of possibilities! Be on the watch for many, many posts with crafts using that precious little machine!

After months of trying, lots of worrying it wasn't going to happen, and much, much prayer, as well as a little girl BEGGING...I am so excited to announce we are having a baby! We found out in early December. I actually took a test in McDonalds. Oh yeah, I'm THAT girl lol. Once I'd bought the test, I just couldn't wait to take it. I didn't think it would be positive! Oh well! At least it's an interesting story to tell.

Christmas went great. We spent Christmas Eve and Day here with our family in Texas. Then Lilly bug and I headed home to South Carolina to spend Christmas with our family up there. It was very busy and eventful with me and her both catching a horrid cold. Praise the Lord it wasn't the flu!

Last week was our first OB appointment. I was 13 weeks then so I was really looking forward to hearing the heartbeat. The intern doing my exam and all tried with the lesser powered Doppler that was in the room and couldn't find it. So he asked the attending to try. She couldn't get it with that one, so they tried a more high powered on. Baby boo was hiding behind on of my veins. She could tell he/she was behind there, but couldn't get the machine positioned to hear it before the battery died. So, she snuck me into the ultrasound room and we got a glimpse at our sweet, VERY active baby! Did my heart a lot of good to see the baby bouncing around in there! I can't wait until our next ultrasound in a couple of weeks.

With the baby coming, I'm getting all geared up to make lots and lots of baby things! We will be cloth diapering again, so I'm going to make the whole OS stash! I'll also be needing some nursing pads. I'll be recovering Lilly's old car seat as well. Can't wait to find out what the baby is so I can get started on the gender specific things!

Tutorial: Pattern Weights

2012-06-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

There's nothing I hate more than pinning a pattern and cutting out the fabric when I'm doing a project. I absolutely love my rotary cutter and mat. It saves me so much precious time! If you have yet to take the rotary leap, I highly recommend you jump in as soon as you can! I promise, you'll never look back! It's also great for those with bad hands!

You have to hold your pattern down in one spot when you're using a rotary cutter and mat; that's where pattern weights come in. Just plop them down on top of your pattern when your cutting, and it wont move around on you!

What you'll need:

Half to 1.5 inch strips of fabric or ribbon

Hot glue gun and hot glue (high temp is best)

Washers- you need 2 per weight (I got the biggest ones at Home Depot I could find. They are zinc coated)

Start off with 2 washers. Place a dab of hot glue on
one of them and place the end of your fabric strip on it. Put hot glue around it in a circle and place the other washer on top, sandwiching the end of the fabric strip between the washers.

Now begin wrapping the material around the washer going through the hole.

And keep wrapping....

And wrapping until none of the washer is showing.

Place a small dab of hot glue and lay the excess material on it. Cut away the extra....

Thanks for looking!

Humpty Dumpty

2012-05-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

All the King's horses

and all the King's men

couldn't put Humpty Together again.

We've all heard that nursery Rhyme. The tale of a poor egg-man who fell off a wall and couldn't be put back together. I don't remember exactly when it struck, but on day I was hit by this thought: Horses? Really? Why would they try to put him back together with horses? Then it hit me just how much like poor Humpty Dumpty we are in our walk with Christ.

We sit on a wall all lifted up and proud. Usually we are by ourselves and trying to accomplish a lot on our own, just so we can stroke our own egos. Then as will always happen, we fall. Our life gets shattered into a million pieces and we just can't put it all back together again.

In the Humpty Dumpty rhyme it seems as if they let the horses have a go at putting Humpty back together again first. At a horses disposal is their mouths and their hooves to use as tools to put Humpty back together. They are very poorly equipped. Egg shells are fragile and delicate, and I'm sure that while trying to put it back together, no matter how much good intent they had, that pieces were shattered even more. I can very confidently say that Humpty would have probably been a lot better off if they had allowed the King's men to have a go at it first.

How often after a fall do we try to either fix things ourselves or look to something else to medicate us? In today's society we have so many more "addictions" than ever before. We have addictions to sex, shopping, drugs, alcohol, food, and the list goes on and on. None of these things fix a problem. They just further shatter our lives and we are left nearly impossible to repair. The good news is our fate isn't as dire as Humpty Dumpty.

We CAN be repaired! All it takes to repair us is the King's lamb, Jesus!

Colossians 1:20-22 (KJV) states:

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

God is so holy that he cannot be near sin. Our sins no matter what they are separate us from God. It could be anything from murder to something our society has deemed so innocuous as gluttony. No MATTER WHAT, sins will ALWAYS separate us from God and make it impossible to clearly hear his voice. There is good news! The verse above shows us that Jesus is the way to being repaired and regaining closeness with God!

God in all his glory and splendor wants us to be close to him. So, he made a way for us to be able to be close to him. He sent his perfect, blameless son Jesus to die on the cross for us. When we turn from our sin and believe on Jesus, then we will be cleansed and made in right standing with God. When we are in close communion with God, he is then able to pick up the pieces and make us whole again! No matter what afflictions or trials, God is enough to complete you! Jesus made the pathway to God and because he was victorious over the grave when he rose, we have victory over our sins!

So, when you've fallen like Humpty Dumpty, don't let the horses of self of stuff try to put you back together. You'll only end up being even more shattered. Instead, let God do the work in you! He won't be like the King's men who were incapable of putting Humpty back together. He will be like God and put you back together more whole and blessed than you were before you fell!

Sour Cream Enchiladas

2012-05-04T18:58:00.001-05:00

Cinco de mayo is coming up tomorrow, so I figured I'd share one of my favorite tex-mex recipes. Yes, gringas like me would probably think this was "real" Mexican food. But I married into a Mexican family so I know better :)

My aunt used to make this for my family and it quickly became one of my favorites. I swear it's better the next day, IF you can stop everyone from eating them up so you'll actually have leftovers! They are easy to make a double batch to share an extra pan with friends or pop into the freezer for later! (I'll post a picture soon!)

Ingredients
1 lb of lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
1 packet of taco seasoning, or the equivalent in your favorite recipe
1.5 lb tub of sour cream
large can of cream of mushroom soup (the huge family size one)
1 can of chopped green chilies (get the slightly larger can)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or the "Mexican blend"
approximately 20 flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Prepare the ground beef with the taco seasonings following the directions on the package. While meat is browning, combine the sour cream, green chilies, and cream of mushroom soup. After the meat is finished, put about a 1/4 c in the center of a tortilla. (warming the tortillas before hand will make it easier to roll, but isn't completely necessary) Roll the tortilla around the beef and place in a 9x13 pan with the ends of the tortilla facing down until you have filled the pan with enchiladas. Place about half of the sour cream mixture over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with half of the cheese. Do the same for another pan. I'm usually just a few enchiladas shy of 2 full pans.
Place in the oven and heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly and brown and delicious and the sauce has warmed through!

Handy Woman Intro

2012-03-06T21:08:00.001-06:00

Growing up with a mechanic dad, and three younger brothers, I was destined to pick up some "handy-man" skills. We never called a repairman growing up, it was just my dad and a book from his home-improvement library. We would often be at his feet handing him the tools needed for the job. I've been able to fix a few things around the house and thought I'd share the smidget of knowledge I have and share some knowledge others have. I'm surely not the only gal with a laundry list of things for my husband to get done around the house! Who can blame him, though? He does work 12 days, 45 minutes away from home.

This series will have lots of information! I'll have tips on making your own girly tool belt. I'll have all the tools everyone should have around the house, guy or gal. And, of course, I'll have tips for loads of projects you can do around the house. I'm sure your hubby will be extra grateful to have some knocked off of his to-do list too! {Just PLEASE don't rub it in his face that you did it cause he didn't/wouldn't, PLEASE} I just relish the fact that I can do some things that are typically "guy" things. I think you should be able to as well!

ABC Mouse {dot} com

2012-02-27T15:02:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the commercials for ABCmouse.com? I've only seen them on Qubo, so not sure it's super popular. Apparently it's won many awards from magazines and such. It's basically and online preschool for ages 2-6. Since we are on the fence about homeschooling, we decided to go ahead and give it a whirl as a kind of "Warm-up" for homeschooling.

I've got to say I'm VERY impressed! We signed up on Saturday, but I've already seen Lilly learn several concepts she didn't already know, and she's gotten a great review on things she already knew. There were a few things that helped me make the decision to go ahead an sign up.

The cost isn't that much. It's about $8 a month, or $80 for the year. You get the first month free if you sign up for the monthly plan, and if you upgrade to the yearly plan, you get 2 months for free (as of Feb. 2012). You can cancel at any time. We signed up for the monthly plan just in case it's not what we hoped. I don't see us canceling any time soon!

There are a few different ways you can set it up for your child to learn. You can let them go down the already made learning path. The learning path is already set up, and your child will go down the path on their own. Each stage down the path is set in different biomes. She gets to see the atmosphere of the biome, and their are several facts about it, and the animals and plants that live their. There is even a quiz your child can take. There is also the option to make your own lessons using the HUNDREDS of activities on the site. It's a fantastic option if you feel like your child needs more practice with a certain subject. I plan on doing a combination of the two.

There are many different activities outside of the learning path, as well. There's a section with basics, that has all of the letters, sight words, numbers etc. I have Lilly do two full lessons and a basics section each day. There are field trips to go on, and all sorts of activities are hidden within the classroom. It is FANTASTIC.

I very highly recommend this site to every parent who wants their child to succeed! You can go to this site here to learn more!

Feel like writing

2012-02-26T21:59:00.000-06:00

Ever get those moments where you just want to sit and write? I do. I guess that's why I'm trying my hand at blogging. I really don't have anything in particular to write about. Just feel like writing.

Guess I'm a bit like Forest Gump, huh? I mean, he did start running for "no particular reason at all." I guess I'm writing for no particular reason at all. I guess, while I'm here I could give a brief synopsis of what's been happening in my life recently.

Topic number one on my mind is My baby girl is turning FOUR soon!! EEK!! {insert super crazy freak out in disbelief "I don't want my baby to grow up!" moment}. Every time I think about it I go into panic mode. I'm mostly panicking over schooling. We've spent the last few years kinda wondering what we would do for her schooling. Neither one of us are really crazy about the public school system, for a multitude of reasons. I think we've settled on homeschooling....I think. I'm at a loss. How can *I* possibly run a successful Etsy business (assuming it gets that far), a photography business, run my household, and home school? I just don't know! That's a lot of hours of work each day! But, if God calls me to do that, then I've just got to rely on Him for the strength to do it. Nothing is impossible with God!

A VERY good not on Lilly Bunns Boutique side of things. I'm finally feeling inspired again! I'm going to be developing a few product lines. SO much work needs to be done to the shop, but I absolutely cant wait! One thing i KNOW no one else on Etsy sells. It's going to be a pretty controversial item, but I'm hoping that just gets me some more exposure, teeheehee. I also have a little invention working in my head. Got to get with my dad to work that one out. Lets just say it will go on your car. And, just because I love y'all, I'll give you a little hint as to what the product lines might hold. There will be a "to the gym we go" and "to church I go" lines. I've got my work cut out for me!

Ok, I guess I did have something to write about after all. I'm going to stop her. Good night, yall!

Whipping this house into submission

2012-02-22T12:11:00.001-06:00

I've never, ever, EVER been a big fan of cleaning. I mean I love the results, but all that work, um, no thanks! But, alas, I'm sick and tired of my messy house, and with the remodeling being pretty much done, it's time I get this house whipped into shape! Before the remodel my house consisted of three rooms. Yes, three! A kitchen/living room combo, 2 bedrooms/drum room/office/playroom, and a bathroom/laundry room/closet. Needless to say we're packed in like sardines! There was so much stuff we had that was absolutely necessary, but we had no room for it! Things were just starting to pile up. As anyone that's ever watched hoarders knows, it's impossible to actually clean well with a lot of clutter. (no, we weren't even close to hoarders, just in case you're wondering) now, we have 6 rooms, and oh, I'm LOVING the organization! I'm not quite finished, yet, but it's AMAZING the difference. I'm starting to not be embarrassed by my house anymore! Yay! We now have 6 rooms: kitchen/dining/drum room, living room, bathroom/laundry, Lilly's room, master bedroom, and my office! Something in my brain has clicked from being not really organized at all to super, freakishly organized. The difference is amazing. I'm determined that everything will have its proper place, and everyone will be putting everything into its proper place. There will be NO MORE CLUTTER! I'll share more, later, on my new-found tricks for organizing. I'll have several tutorials, as well. So until then, I'll be cleaning my little heart out. I'm almost there! End of this week is my finished goal, and I WILL make it!

Updates

2012-01-10T13:46:00.000-06:00

Hi all! It's been a little while since I've written. I have been quite the busy girl!

I hope you all had fantastic holidays! Ours were extremely busy, but oh so wonderful! On Christmas Eve we celebrated with all of our family that lives in Texas. Christmas day started early with Lilly awaking to all the presents she received from Santa, us, her Paw-paw, and Grandma Dawn. Her favorites were the Barbie Townhouse Grandma got her, and the 3DS santa brought her. We then headed back accross the street for presents at the in-laws since hubby's aunt had arrived from Austin. A few days later, I headed to South Carolina, and had Christmas all over again on New Years Eve! I'm still here, writing this post on my parent's computer in fact!

We have officially moved into the remodel! Though, there's quite a bit left to do to complete it. I still have to build the shelves and countertops for the office. I also need to install closet rods in the new closets. The vintage dresser I purchased needs to be refinished. I think their may be a few touch-ups that need to be done paint-wise. The biggest task of all will be organizing everything! I think I may even be one of those crazy ladies that posts all her befores and afters....maybe! I'm so excited to get home and get my life organised!

On the business front, there will be several new changes. Not much will be different with Son Rise, I just plan to have more, and more shoots and build a bigger name for myself! Lilly Bunns Boutique, however will be run totally differently! (especially when compared to last year :)) Look out for a new look to the shop, my products in brick and mortar stores, and, oh yeah, LOTS more products and new products to be added each week!

Homeschooling preschool: week 1

2011-12-04T15:51:00.000-06:00

Eventually, I'll actually have printable card you can print and organize, but for now I'll just put the content of each card on here!

Overview card 1

Theme: Snow
Shape: circle
Color: white
Letter: S
Number: 0 (zero)
Concept: same/different
Verse: psalms 139:14
Science: Every snowflake is different just like me!

Theme card: snow
Monday:read snow poem (from Internet search), discuss that snow comes in winter
Tuesday: play with shaving cream on table (pretend its snow)
Wednesday: make snow scene with white paint on black or navy paper. Thumbprints are snow flakes
Thursday: make snow playdoh (mix white glitter into white playdoh)
Friday: make waterless snow globes (hot glue bristle trees to jar lids, put a little fake snow in jar, close lid, display jar upside down)

Number card: 0

Monday: discuss number
Tuesday: write 0 in the shavingcream snow
Wednesday: 0 coloring page*
thursday: 0 writing worksheet*
Friday: 0 writing on lined paper

Shape card: Circle

Monday: introduce shape, sing song about shape (find song online)
Tuesday: draw shape in shaving cream
Wednesday: collage, glue circles in shape of a snowflake
Thursday: circle scavenger hunt, look for circles in environment, and/or place circles to be found around house
Friday: circle worksheet

Verse card: ps 139:14

Monday: recite verse
Tuesday: Verse coloring page (can be found online)
Wednesday: snowflakes verse scramble (write each word or a couple words on snowflake and put in proper order)
Thursday: snowflake verse scramble
Friday: large snow scene or banner with the snowflakes from the verse scramble permanently attached together.

Concept: same/ different

Monday: talk about the meaning
Tuesday: worksheet
Wednesday: have objects or pics to be compared, place same objects in one container or pile, different in another.
Thursday: worksheet
Friday: same activity as Wednesday

Letter: s
Monday: introduce letter, sing song about letter, trace with finger
Tuesday: write letter in shaving cream on table
Wednesday: iPad app (pocket phonics)
Thursday: writing page
Friday: coloring/writing page

Color: white
- remind how snow is white with all activities
- verbally spell white daily
- point out white things in the environment
- white scavenger hunt

Science card: every snowflake is different
- read books about snowflakes
- look at snowflake pics online (of actual snowflakes)
- we both make a snowflake by folding paper and making cuts then compare how they are different
- talk about how snowflakes are different and people are different too, read a book about someone who is different

I try to stagger the activities we do. For example do a sitting activity then a crafty/fun activity then sitting activity. I also don't have to do everything I one sitting. On days we read books, we might wait til bed time, for example.

Homeschooling preschool: How I plan

2011-12-04T15:08:00.000-06:00

Thanks for starting with me on our homeschooling journey! As i mentioned in my last post, I'm really only committed to homeschooling until kindergarten. Before I share with you the week's plans, I thought I'd share a general overview of how I make my plans.

First up, how I organize my plans.

I have chosen to keep my plans on note cards in one of those note card boxes. For each week there are 9 cards. The first is my starting place. On it is the week number (1-52), the theme for the week, and {at this point} shape, color, letter, number, concept, Bible memory verse, and science concept. That gives me a general overview for the week. Each other card has a category on it. As we go along the categories on the cards will change, but this is the basis for a while. I was having trouble pinpointing what exactly to call the concepts. They are basically things like over/under, longest/shortest, etc. They will get more complex as we go along, but for now, she needs to learn these things. Science is not necessarily the science we think of in a strict sence. It can be anything from an actual science thing to the fact that there are generations in a family. Science is one simple concept that correlates with the theme. The first week for example is that every snowflake is different, and our theme is snow.

Secondly, my method of planning.

After I have my first card hammered down, I create a card for each of the categories. There is a card for the theme, shape, color, verse, letter, etc. On each of these cards I write the days Monday-Friday. Beside each day I write the planned activity for the day. Emphasis on PLANNED! I don't want her to get bored with learning. I feel like the most important thing I can do to get her ready for school (weather at home or not) is to make her excited to learn. If she gets restless, and doesn't want to do anything else, we will stop or even just change focus. If it doesn't all get done, then it's totally ok! Some cards don't have an activity for each day, and some activities will be repeated.

You'll be able to understand this as you look through my plans for the week, I just wanted to explain a little of the meathod to the madness!

Homeschooling: How I've Decided to Teach Reading

2011-12-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

Im not 100% sure that we will homeschool, I'm still praying about that one, but I am doing it for preschool. There's two reasons for this. 1) I want to make sure Lilly can read before kindergarten. 2) I want to practice homeschooling before it actually counts. I'm a little worried about taking on the sole responsibility of her learning. I do KNOW that Lilly would get a better education (at least through 3 grade) if she were taught by me. Our school system just isn't that great. I doubt we would homeschool through high school, I just want her to have a super strong foundation. That said, I'm not sure it would benefit her socially to be homeschooled. She already has tendencies to be shy, so I don't really want to reinforce that. All things we are praying about! It's such a HUGE decision!

Since I have decided, to at least teach her how to read, I knew I needed a good method. We got an app on my iPad that she loves, and has already started reading some words just in her usual play. In the app, you can sign up for an email that explains the best way to teach kids to read. It is backed by research and is apparently the method used in many countries in Europe. (the app is called Pocket Phonics)The whole goal of this is to get kids reading earlier, not just in age, but also during the process of learning the letters. The meathod basically has two components.

1) Initially only call the letters by their sounds. The reasoning for this is that it's less information to have to remember. This was like a light bulb moment for me! It totally makes sence. They will of course learn their letter names, that's not actually that hard to retain. And I'm not super strict about this one. I do say the name sometimes, but when I discuss the letters I emphasize "this letter sounds like..." so that she knows there's a name, we just only learn the sound.

2) Don't teach in the abcd... Order. We teach in groupings of letters that will form words early on. this way, she will reach the achievement of reading almost from the beginning. Our first grouping is A,S,T,N,P,I.

This is so different than how they teach in schools, and pretty different than how I was taught. I am teaching her all six letters at once via the app, but I'm emphasizing one letter a week. This is mostly to help with writing practice. I very much feel like phonics is the absolute best way to learn. I hate whole language learning, it just leaves too many kids behind. I am going to be emphasizing good penmanship while she learns how to write, I just don't think schools focus on that enough!

I think you'll better understand this meathod as I post our lesson plans this week. It's slightly unconventional, but I think it's what will work best for my child, and that's what's important!

Photo shoot day!

2011-12-04T14:03:00.000-06:00

Back in October I had a fall photo day, and one client's photos were just not good. It was a mix of too high ISO, poor lighting, and a little girl that just really wanted to play on the nearby playground. It was a deadly combination! So I offered them 50% off of a family shoot, just because imlike that. I felt terrible for the poor quality of the pics. We got together today, and the pics turned out great! Like seriously, I think it's one of the best shoots I've had!

I also took the opportunity to get a few shots of Lilly before they came, and OMG love! They came out so well, I'm so glad she cooperated with me!

Green Tip: Super Conditioning Hair Treatment

2011-12-02T13:17:00.000-06:00

It wasn't too long ago that I had my hair done by someone who apparently had no clue what she was doing. My hair went through 5 processes to get it a color that looked somewhat like a natural color. My hair literally felt like Barbie doll hair it was so fried. I knew I had to do my best to repair it, though it would never get back to its original healthier state. I went to the hair product isle at the local super department store and decided to try a Panteen hair repair product that had 5 vials of conditioner. It worked pretty well, but was getting a little expensive.

Here comes my natural alternative that works BETTER than the chemical laden store brands. Coconut oil, the unrefined kind. I'm serious, this stuff is amazing! It has antibacterial, anti fungal, and super moisturizing properties. It's a little miracle in a jar. Knowing all the goodness this stuff does, I had to see what, if anything, it would do for my hair. The results were amazing! My hair became completely manageable, and all the split ends looked like they had disappeared.

So, I'm gonna let you in on this miracle process! It's super easy, you're going to love it!

Step 1: Slather the stuff in your hair, be sure to get it on every strand, especially the tips. Don't worry, you will only look like the dorky kid in school that never washed her hair for only a night, I PROMISE!

Step 2: Comb through your hair to make sure it's evenly coated. At this point you may want to twist it up into a bun. That's totally up to you.

Step 3: Go to sleep, enjoy smelling like a coconut pie.

Step 4: Wash that stuff right out of your hair! One wash will most likely get it out, but you may need to do the whole rinse and repeat thing. If you repeat, put conditioner in your hair before getting out. If you don't, you might just be able to get by without the conditioner.

Step 5: Do whatever you do to let your hair dry. Style like normal and enjoy your beautiful hair!

When you get out of the shower you should totally use the oil for your moisturizer! Since it's 100% natural, your body will absorb the goodness, way better than it will from a chemical moisturizer from the store! The coconut smell will go away after a bit, so don't worry about smelling like a pie all day.

Hope it works as well for you as it has for me!

Pinterest Christmas Decor Ideas

2011-12-01T13:17:00.000-06:00

I just love this time of year! There are so many wonderful crafts to be made! Thanks to pinterest, my list is a mile long this year! Unfortunately, we are at the point in our remodel that I had to lose my desk to make room for the doorway to the addition. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make because in about 2 weeks I'm going to have my dream craft room. oh the joy!! There are few things I've been doing. I've been crocheting like a mad woman, and doing little things. But, since I don't actually have the space to do a lot, I thought I'd show you some of the things from pinterest that have been getting my crafty juices flowing! {make sure you're following me on Pinterest!!}

I know, I know, this is more of a Fall thing, but how cute would this wreath from Etsy be in Christmas colors? (sorry, the link to the item is no good now, but I *think* itzfitz made it) It looks ridiculously easy to make (and definitely would be less than the $40 price tag). I'm thinking it would be adorable to have a snowman or santa instead of the owl, and snowflakes and/or poinsettias instead of the flowers. {I'm hoping to do a tutorial on making my Christmas version soon!}

These waterless snow globes from Sweet Something Design blog are rediculously easy, and so cute! They are a project I will be doing with Lilly for our snow unit next week! {We've started doing preschool homeschooling! I'll be posting my lesson plans each week, so watch for that!}

This is EASILY my favorite find on pinterest this year! I'll be making this, and putting it on a wall with a reindeer prints on either side. {I'll post a pic once I get them done!} Keeping with the silhouette theme, I'm thinking a silhouette print of a nativity scene would be awesome elsewhere! This idea comes to pinterest via Compulsive in Texas

I'm making a few of these trees from How to Nest For Less already! They have the tinsel, but I'm adding in some small ornaments too!

Ah, that's quite a good looking group of ideas huh? I can't wait til our remodel is done so I can at least decorate! I can't even put up anything cause we have to paint walls! It really, really stinks! Hope y'all have been able to get your stuff out and it's beautiful!

Celesa

Tuesday Tip: Crochet Scrubbies Pattern

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

This tutorial was originally posted on my old lilly bunns blog!

I just love these scrubbies! They have so many different uses! I've made them bigger and use them as a baby rag, I scrub pots and pans, and even my face with them--never after using them on the pans of course. They are super easy and quick to make!

If you don't know how to crochet, you can buy these in my shop!

Yarn: Doesn't really matter, but it needs to be a worsted weight. I like cotton yarn (sugar and cream brand) for its softness and bright colors. Red heart super saver might be a little more abrasive.

Hook: G
Abreviations:
   St: Stitch
   Ch: Chain
   SC: SC
Notes: This is made in one continuous ring, you can make bigger by adding increase rows. These don't need to be exact, but if you are a stickler for that kinda thing, you may want to use a stitch marker to note where the beginning of a row is.

Row 1: Ch 6 Slip St closed to form ring
Row2: 6 SC into ring. (6)
Row 3: 2 SC in each st around (12)
Row 4: *1 SC in next st, 2 SC in next st** repeat from *to ** 5 more times (18)
Row 5: *1 SC in next 2 st, 2 SC in next st** repeat from * to ** 5 more times (24)
Row 6: *1 SC in next 3 st, 2 SC in next st** repear from * to ** 5 more times (30)
Row 7: *1 sc in next 4 st, 2 SC in next st** repeat from* to ** 5 more times (36)
To finish: skip one stitch, slip stitch and tie off. This will make it to lie down more.

These will be about 3 inches in diameter.

My Brother!

2011-11-26T00:46:00.000-06:00

My Three Brothers (Joshua, Caleb, Samuel)

We got some very special news to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! I knew something was up when my oldest brother called me asking if we could Facetime. I had a feeling I knew what it was, but I let them spill the beans...my sis-in-law for all of 6 months is PREGNANT!!! I'm so excited! This is my first blood niece or neffew and I couldn't be happier for them! Now, this may not seem like something to blog about, so let me back up a little bit.

His Wife :)

3 Years ago on August 19, while I was visiting my family, we got a phone call that shook our world. The message said Caleb has been in an accident. The tough ex-marine-turned-sailor on the other end sounded as if he was crying. We knew it was serious. After finally getting in touch with someone to see what had happened (he was stationed with the Navy in Norfolk, VA at the time), we headed up that way. At the time all we knew was that he had dove into a pool, and now couldn't feel his legs. The surgical nurse at the hospital said if it was her kid, she'd go up there. So we all loaded up the car at about 9 pm and made the long drive from SC to norfolk.

We arrived there just as he was finishing up surgery. When he had dove into the pool, he hit the top of his head and his chin was forced down to his chest. the impact caused his C6 vertebra to break and a small piece press on his spinal chord. He is now paralyzed from the waist down.

He has some control of some of his abdominal muscles, and can move several toes on his right foot (these are things he's gained since the accident!) He still has a good bit of feeling in his legs, and is gaining more all the time. He's come such a long way since the accident!

This past June he married such a wonderful girl. She seriously fits right in with our family! We've all known her for quite some time, but just last year we were all reunited. She is so helpful and amazing, and I'm so glad I now have a sister! (ok, to be fair I have to sis-in-laws on my hubby's side, but I'm not close to them--something I've been praying for to change!) They sure got knocked-up fast, but it's all in God's timing! I'm so happy for them, and so glad that science has been able to make this happen for him!

As much as they get knocked all the time, our family would seriously be nowhere if it weren't for the VA hospital in Richmond VA. I also have to say that the PVA (paralyzed veterans of America) has been a tremendous support as well! We were even able to meet Richard Petty at an event in Charlotte because of his involvement with the PVA. For some southern kids that grew up watching races, it was a real honor! Please do whatever you can to support these organizations, and your troops!

Please keep my bubba and sissy in your prayers as they embark on this new chapter in their lives! They are building a house, now so that's adding to the stress!! God's really been laying on my heart to pray for Caleb's complete healing, so please be praying with me for that! Thanks for sharing in my excitement!!

- Celesa

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T23:47:00.000-06:00

Man, this year has seriously flown by! There's just so much for me to be thankful for this year. I'm so blessed! This is just the short list, but here are a few things I'm the most thankful for this year!

1) A loving, almighty, God. It never ceases to amaze me just how deep Gods love for us goes. I am, of course, thankful for my salvation, but I'm almost even more so thankful that God just wants a relationship with me. It is because he wants that relationship that he grants us eternal life and even helps with our day to day living here on earth. He is truly amazing!!

2) Life. I'm so thankful for not only being alive, but having a life that is blessed. I'm so thankfull for all the people in my life. As I'm writing this, I'm even more thankful for my aunt, I'm so blessed to have her and tha k God for protecting her through her shooting.

3) My Family. I'm so blessed to have everyone from my husband and parents and extended family, to my precious daughter. I'm so happy to be the mom to such a wonderful girl! I'm also blessed that my family got a little larger this year! My brother married a wonderful girl that we've been friends with for years! I'm so fortunate to have my new sissy! This year I've Rowan closer to my inlaws and my family in my heart has expanded. Seriously, seriously thankful for family!

4) My church! I'm so thankful that God lead us from a mediocre church to a church of excellence. I'm honestly not sure if it's just because we are where God wants us, or the quality of the church, but the holy spirit just seems to dwell in the church we attend now, and it is so precious to me to be able to experienc that every time the doors open!

There's so, so much more for me to be thankful for this year, but these are the things that have affected my life the most this year.

I pray that your life be equally as blessed! Take the time to be thankfull today!

Celesa

My Latest Obsessions

2011-11-18T14:15:00.000-06:00

I've got a problem. To me it's a really, really big problem. Ya see, I feel bad for thanksgiving. I mean, it's always getting put second to Christmas. Especially this year, stores are opening so early that people are just focused on their Christmas shopping. But that's really not my problem. My problem is the guilt I feel for joining in. I just can't fight it anymore! The draw of Christmas is just too hard to resist! It's time to indulge my latest obsessions!

I'm seriously obsessed with all the awesome things I can make to decorate my house for Christmas! I have a little problem, though! I don't have enough surfaces to put everything on! Even after the remodel is finished, I'm not sure we will have enough places for all the things I want to make! I've got a lot of planning to do!!

One of the things I'm most obsessed with are cones! There's paper mache cones, wooden cones, Styrofoam cones, paper covered cones, tinsel covered cones, fabric covered cones, cones made to look like trees, and cones made to look like santa, there's just so many things you can do with a cone! {woah! Sorry, I was channeling Bubba from Forrest Gump there for a second!} Seriously, though there are SO many things one can do! Here's just a few of my favorites!

I love these from How to Nest for Less

These are Way Fab from Thrifty Decor Chick!

Another thing are wreaths! Little else can make the outside of your house more inviting than a wreath! There's so many cute ones! I can't decide which I want to make! I'm leaning toward trying to make one with a nativity scene in the middle. But these here are just so dang cute! Hmmm, maybe I could just have a few and change them out each week...Maybe?

This one is BEAUTIFUL! From Whipperberry

How amazing is this one from Miss Fancy Pants?

Another new tradition I'm definitely starting this year is an advent calendar! I've just got to come up with the perfect one to make! I really love the idea of counting down the days with some education for my sweet daughter! Here are a few tutorials I've seen for them, but none I've fallen head over heals in love with, yet.

Well, I may have fallen in love with this one made with the
FABULOUS Silhouette CAMEO that I want so badly! by: Amy Totty

We just might end up with this one from makoodle.com

Well, I hope you've been a little inspired today! I'm totally having a fit wanting to get to the store for supplies to make some of this fabulousness!

It's the little things

2011-11-16T15:54:00.000-06:00

I dont have a big elaborate post to write today. Just wanted to share a bright moment from my week. My wonderful husband works for a local car dealership in the service department. He recently took my Explorer in to have some repairs and maintenance done on it. He decided to get really sweet and left me a little note on that little reminder sticker they put in your windshield.

He often says "oh schweetie" to me out of the blue, so it was pretty special that he was thinking of me when he did it! Love Him!!

Tuesday Tip: Chicken and Rice

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

This recipe was originally posted on my old Not Just a Little Fat blog.

This Chicken and Rice is very filling and tastes like its unhealthy. I swear it tastes just like chicken and dumplings without all the fat of the dumplings. The recipe is approximate measurements. Be sure to check often, if it's looking too thick then add a little water to the mix. I didn't have any stock or broth on hand when I made it, so I decided to just make my own by boiling the chicken and vegetables for a bit before adding the rice. If you're short on time then buy a low sodium Chicken Broth and substitute for the water. You can also add one cube of chicken bullion to the water instead of the salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. A Serving is about 1 cup.

I wrote this one before committing to going as all natural as possible. I haven't checked some of the ingredients on labels, so be sure you do before cooking.

The Reno.

2011-11-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe I haven't posted about our renovations, yet! It's consuming our lives in so many ways, but I'm so excited!

When we moved to Texas 5 years ago, we were so fortunate that my hubby's family built an apartment for us. Of course, that happened quite a while before kids came into the picture, so it was truly never meant to house more than just the hubs and I. It's got a three room layout (great room, bedroom, bathroom/washroom combo) and we've managed to fill it up! There is literally furniture along every wall. Hey, it's not hard to do with all the necessary furniture, drums, my crafting area and a three year old diva. We are a little more fortunate than some in that we have 777 sq feet, but the layout of the place is not the greatest use of space. And, now, Lilly really should be getting into her own room ASAP!

So, we are adding on! God has worked things around to allow us to be able to build into the garage our apartment is built onto! We are adding three new rooms, and we will eventually be redoing the rooms we already have! The rooms we are adding are 2 bedrooms and an office for me!

The rooms we currently have are laid out in such a way that in order to get to the bathroom from the great room, you have to walk through the bedroom. We are remedying that situation by putting our bedroom in the smaller of the two new rooms. Lilly will be getting the larger room. That sounds kinda backwards huh? Seriously, though all we do is sleep and...well...you know ;) in our room, so it makes sence for her to have the larger room for all of her toys, etc. What is now our bedroom will become a living room. The great room (really just a kitchen and living room) will become a larger kitchen, dining room, and drum room (though I really hope that is only temporary :)). I'm very excited to get to eat family dinners around the table again!

I'm totally going to get some pics and do a write up on each of the rooms soon. I'll make sure to include all of my inspiration, and make lots and lots of how-tos! I can't wait to show you all my office! It's going to be amazing!! Just thinking about it makes me so very thankful for an amazing God that's provided me with an amazing husband who works 12 hour days then comes home and works on the addition so that I can have my dream! I mean seriously, how many 25 year old girls get to have their own studio space? I'm so blessed :) Y'all totally need to follow along! Y'all are gonna gt so many tips from this, I promise!! I just gotta pass on the blessings, ya know? :)

Urgent call to prayer!

2011-11-09T06:42:00.000-06:00

My aunt has always been like my second mom. Today something horrible happened to her.

I've not got all the details, but according to the police, it appears that someone broke into her house. She has multiple gunshot wounds and had to pull herself to the phone to call 911. Please, please pray for her and my family. She's stable but has been flown to a major hospital in her area. I'll give more details as I learn them.

Tuesday Tip: Super Cutie Caplet Crochet Pattern

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

This pattern was originally posted over at my old Lilly Bunns blog. I hope you enjoy!

It's been a VERY long time since I made the super cutie Capelet, but I'll try my best to write it out. I'm so sorry for the delay in getting it done. Life is quite crazy with a 2 year old! Please let me know if you find a mistake. I'll do my best to correct it as soon as possible. Pay close attention on the increasing rows. I suppose the correct spacing isn't super important on rows 4-5 as long as you increase in the first and last stitches and get the correct amount of increases in between. I'll mark the amount of increases at the end of each row. This is a great size for toddlers. I made it for my daughter when she was 18 mo, and it's almost too small at almost 3 (she's the size of a 4 year old lol).

Abreviations used:
   Ch: Chain
   DC: Double crochet
   SC: Single Crochet
   ST: Stitch

Guage: 2 rows, and 3 stitches= 1 inch
Hook: G hook

Ch 37
Row1: Insert hook into third ch from hook. 1 DC in each chain. (34 st)

Row 2: Ch.3 and turn 1 DC in each ST. (34 st)

Row 3: ch 3 and turn. 1 DC in same ST. *1 dc in next st, 2 DC in next st** repeat from * to ** to the end (54 st)

Row 4: Ch 3 and turn. DC in same st.; 1 DC in next 3 st.; 2 dc in next st.; 1 dc in next 9 st.; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 9 st.; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 7 st; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 9 st; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 9 st; 2 dc in last st. (58 st) 7 inc

Row 5: Ch 3 and turn. dc in same st.; 1 dc in next 9 st.; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 10 st; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 5 st; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 6 st; 2dc in next st; 1 dc in next 6 st; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 7 st; 2 dc in next st; 1 dc in next 8 st; 2 dc in last st. (66 st) 7 inc

Row 6: (this is last regular dc row) Ch 3 and turn. 1 dc in each st. (66st)

Row7-9: (shell stitch rows) Ch 3 and turn. 2 dc in same st. Ch1 skip 4 st; *4 dc in next st., ch1, skip 4 st** repeat from * to ** 11 times, 3dc in last st. (12 total scallops, not including the half scallops on the end.

Ch 1 and turn. Now you will SC up the side. When you get to the corner about to round to the top put 2 SC. Continue SC across the top doing the same at the next corner, then work down the other side. Tie off and weave in the ends of the yarn. You will not SC across the bottom scalloped edge!!!

Add a ribbon into the holes at the top of the first row! enjoy!

To increase the size, chain more at the beginning, add 1 increase to each row, add one row of increase, and 1 row of shell st. until it's the length you want.

The Craft Bug

2011-11-07T08:30:00.000-06:00

It seems like I just go from one obsession to the next, and this week is no exception! The craft bug had totally hit! I don't know if it's because this week is the first in a month that I don't have to do anything!

I've got a whole week of cleaning and crafting planned! First up is a cute scarf for Lilly! It's inspired by a trellis with flowers climbing it. I'm very excited about it and you'll get to benefit from another EASY crochet pattern by me! Next up are some Christmas presents. I'm not entirely sure what they will be, but whatever they are they will be fabulous!

For my photography stuff I've got two props that need to be made! First, a paper mache egg to post newborns in, and a bird's nest. They are gonna be super cute!!

And last but not least is something for my house! I'm gonna be turning some wooden pallets into end tables. I'm also gonna try to fit in a dining table re-do from a found table! I'm so excited about the tables, I can't stand it!

Of course, I'm gonna blog about it all, and share my process! What are you gonna make this week?