Fruitful Hands Boutique

Featuring Jewelry Designer, Creator, and Repairer: Jaime Fountain

2011-10-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

(*At the bottom of this interview you will find the rules for a drawing to win the pink and black bracelet and earrings pictured to the left!)

Today I would like to share a little bit about my dear friend, Jaime, who is just amazing! Together we have had some great laughs, shared a few tears, drank a lot of coffee, and stayed up WAY too late! I would say that a vein of sarcasm runs through our relationship, which allows us to get away with a lot and, surprisingly, share a lot. Although she might seem quiet at first, if you spend any amount of time with her, you will find that conversation comes easily, especially if you get her talking about her kids! They provide her with ample stories to share and many that you mommies can relate to! So on with the interview:

(Wherever you see "FHB" it is just an abbreviation for Fruitful Hands Boutique.)
(Also, most comments in the parenthesis are written by me - Kathy!)

What do you create for FHB?
Smiles, happy customers. Seriously, I make jewelry all custom, mostly made to order and I also do paychecks (accounting). (Jaime has been doing my books for over a year now. If you want a recommendation, let me know!)

How long have you been making this awesome creation of yours?
I started taking classes about 6-7 years ago but just started really making items a little over a year ago. (Jaime has made numerous custom designed pieces for me - I LOVE them!)

Why do you create what you create?
I love making jewelry that is unique, that people will look at and see beauty but not have to break the bank to get it.

How did you find out about FHB?
I'm friends with the owner. (That's me!!)

Why did you choose to sell through FHB?
The owner is an amazing woman and entrepreneur, I love that she gives so much of herself physically, mentally and monetarily (with donation). Plus it gives me the chance to create and gives Kathy the opportunity to be the amazing salesperson she is. (Um, blushing!!)
(Oh, and did you know that 10% of every sale from FHB goes directly to Bethany Christian Services - an adoption and foster care agency? Well, it does. Now you know.)

What other creations/crafts would you like to try your hand at?
I will be trying candles and soaps soon. I would love to try lots of things but staying focused on a few items makes my creations and my bank account better.

What is your favorite item for sale right now on FHB?
How can I pick just one? I must say as a fellow jewelry creator I love ALL of the earrings and bracelets and some of the necklaces by international sanctuary. Funny, since I never accessorize, not even with what I make!

What would you like to see more of on FHB?
I think FHB has a good mix, but maybe more items for boys/men.

Favorite Food?
Sushi (Yep! Me too!)

Favorite Scripture?
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Tell us a little more about yourself and your family.
I am a full time stay at home mother, student, wife and everything that goes along with those titles. I am the mother of four amazing children, I have been married to a wonderful man for close to 7 years and I am a student working toward a bachelors in accounting. I love reading, animals, spending time with my family, anything outdoors and crafting.

What is one cause you are passionate about?
I am a bleeding heart when it comes to animals the evidence proves it. Three dogs and a cat with a new cat family being fostered: a mother and two kittens.

Any other business ventures you are a part of?
In my spare time, wink wink nudge nudge, I sell children's clothing and items, and I am looking for more accounting clients. I do payroll, receivables, payables, checks and registers.
(Jaime runs a business from her home: Fountain of Youth Consignment. You can find her on facebook. She does this in her spare time, of which she has none. I can vouch for that!)

Anything else you would like the FHB community to know about you?
I guarantee all of my jewelry by offering free repairs and I repair other's jewelry for a nominal fee, plus I prefer custom order jewelry. If you can think it I can make it!

So now it's your turn! We would love to hear your comments, questions, or encouraging words. Either leave a comment on this blog or (if that isn't working for you as you) under the Fruitful Hands Boutique facebook status that referred you here. Even if you just go back and "like" the status about this blog, we'll enter you!
On Monday, October 24th, at 7:00 pm, there will be a random drawing of all who have "liked" or commented regarding this blog and I will announce the winner shortly after! The winner will receive the pink and black bracelet and earrings set pictured below!

Refreshing FHB

2011-10-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

We are quickly approaching the 2 year anniversary of the Fruitful Hands Boutique. I officially started handing out business cards on Thanksgiving day, 2009. Since that day, so many wonderful things have happened. I have made many new friendships and have seen some amazing talent come through this lovely little boutique! This summer and even into the new school year, I saw a major slow down. Hmm...could be that life got a little busy for our family! Running a small business by yourself can be the greatest thing (flexibility) and the worst thing (no one works if you don't)!

Life hasn't slowed down here. As a matter of fact, I'd say it's probably gotten busier! We are in the process of packing up our home of 9 + years and moving to another home just a few neighborhoods away! So exciting! And yet during this very busy time, I am feeling the need to refresh the Fruitful Hands Boutique. It has been neglected far too long. So keep an eye out for giveaways, promotions, interviews, and new items. It's going to be an exciting time! Comments, questions, and encouragement are greatly appreciated either here, on facebook (just search for Fruitful Hands Boutique), or send me an email (klynncragin@yahoo.com). You can also call or text me at (209) 614-3746.

Check out some of these wonderful items currently in stock:

Jewelry by Jaime

Jewelry from isanctuary

Scrabble Tile Necklaces by Melanie

Headbands by Kaitlin

Hair Clips by Alyssa

Bibs by Jennifer

Nursing Covers by Rosel

Scrubbies by Alice

Towels by Dot

Custom hand-drawn cards by Kathy

Intimidated by Lasagna

2011-07-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

I often thought about making lasagna, but was intimidated by the amount of time it could take to make! I've made frozen lasagna.... but that doesn't really count. Recently, I discovered a recipe that would make the creation of a good lasagna so much easier and it turns out, it's delicious!
(Here's the ironic part - the recipe is my MOM'S!! I found it in my old school's cookbook - should've known it would be the best.)

What makes this lasagna less intimidating? You don't cook the noodles first. I don't know why taking that simple step out of it makes it so much easier, but it does for me!

Here's the recipe!

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs ground beef (we use ground turkey)
8-10 wide lasagna noodles
1 (16 oz.) carton of small curd cottage cheese (we use ricotta)
1 large (16-18 oz) jar of marinara sauce
1 large (16-18 oz) jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 lb grated cheddar cheese

Directions:
Brown and drain hamburger. Add sauces and cottage (or ricotta) cheese. Mix well by hand. Grease 9x13 dish. Layer with uncooked noodles. Add a layer of sauce mixture; top with cheese. Repeat these layers. Cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Cover with foil towards end if cheese is getting dark.

While you're at it, you might as well make an extra to put in the freezer!

Laundry: DONE!

2011-07-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this might seem like a silly thing to be excited about, but I actually started and finished all my loads of laundry in one day! Why overwhelm myself by trying to get it all done on Monday (my unofficial laundry day), you might ask? Because now I won't worry about laundry for an entire week! Some folks like to work on doing a load or two a day. But tell me, then: when does laundry ever end?! For me, it is less overwhelming when I start my day and I know that there is no laundry hanging over my head... so to speak. (I will admit, it usually takes me 2 or 3 days to finish and we only have 4 of us in our family. So kudos to those of you with big families for even staying on top of the laundry throughout the week!)

I've learned many lessons doing laundry. Some good, some not:

Good: get the kids involved, let them think it's a game to sort laundry! (By the way, my kids don't like putting their laundry away, but they love putting my husband's and my laundry away!)
Bad: don't put the red rags in with white dishtowels, especially when they haven't had their first wash yet. And probably not even after that. Red - never a safe color in laundry.
Good: It is truly a blessing when I can't find enough hangers for all my clothing. God has been so good to our family when it comes to keeping us clothed. (Please keep in mind when you see my daughter, she picks out her own outfits - not a true reflection of what is in her closet.)
Bad: Be careful when sniffing children's clothing to see if it is truly dirty or only been worn for 20 minutes. Sometimes it TRULY is dirty...and stinky... and just gross.
Good: There is money to be made in doing laundry! Do you know how many pennies I've found in the bottom of the washing machine?
Bad: Static electricity makes my socks stick to my husband's underwear making for interesting surprises when he gets dressed! (Sorry, honey!)

For more good, check out this guest post from my sister-in-law. I loved it! You'll view socks in a whole new light!

Bringing Out the Creativity

2011-07-06T14:36:00.001-07:00

My niece and I decided to work collaboratively on a couple of projects. We started out at Michael's to get some ideas and came up with headbands, duct tape, sunglasses, and gems. Along with a few items from my supply, we brought out my niece's creativity, of which she says she has none. The following is just a sampling of the wonderful creations that she made:

I think she was pleasantly surprised with how they turned out! Just wait till you see the bejeweled sunglasses!

(All of Kaitlin's creations are currently $7)

Lessons Learned from a Widow

2011-05-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27 (NKJV)

When my Pa (father) passed away 4 years ago, my Mom suddenly had numerous trials to face as a widow, some that she had to experience on her own, some that we, her kids have had to go through with her. We have learned from all of them. So today I'd like to share some of these with you so that you might be able to apply them to a widow(er) in your neighborhood, church, or family.

Shortly after my Dad passed away, nearly everyone stopped visiting her. She was so lonely. Although it might be difficult to be around someone so sad, the visit is for the person who is lonely, not for yourself. If you don't know what to say, just stop by explaining that you are coming by just for a few minutes to see if there is anything you can do. Then leave when you have to. Those few minutes you are there will be the brightest spot in their day.

My Mom loves little shows of thoughtfulness, because the man who did thoughtful things for her for 40+ years is not there to do them for her. Little hand-drawn cards by the kids, a flower picked from the garden, a note in the mail, or even a little gifty dropped on the doorstep, just something to let her know that someone else was thinking of her.

Evenings and Sundays were and still are the worst days for my Mom. These were times spent with Dad. Inviting her over for dinner or letting the kids go to play at her house in the afternoon while we visited helps those difficult times pass much easier.

Remembering special days (Dad's birthday, their anniversary, the day Dad passed away) with a phone call, a card, or a little thoughtful gift reminds Mom that she's not the only mourning the passing of a great man. He hasn't been forgotten.

My Mom has a beautiful yard, but it's big and a lot of work. My oldest brother spends a lot of time working on the sprinklers and other yard projects that my Mom doesn't have the know-how to do. She does mow, edge, and blow her yard herself, though. (She has an independent streak). However, I'm quite sure if someone else wanted to do it for her, she would gladly relinquish the job! As my kiddos get a little older, you'd better believe they'll be out there weeding and doing yard work because a 65+ year old woman shouldn't be doing all that hard work! I guess the point of this point is that if you've got a child old enough to volunteer to do some yard work (or house work, for that matter) for a widow(er), it would probably be greatly appreciated and a great lesson for your child as well!

My Mom has had 3 surgeries this year. Yes, three. Who helps at home when you have surgery or are sick? Your spouse, unless you don't have one. Between my brothers and I, we all try to make sure that we are there when she needs it the most, and checking in with a visit or by phone as often as we can throughout the recovery process. Perhaps you think someone who is post-op doesn't want visitors. Well, the fact of the matter is that you might be a distraction from whatever is bothering them most from the surgery. Or maybe you show up at just the right time to help find extra bandages from the cupboard. Or maybe you call just when they've realized that they could really use more Gatorade or chicken soup from the store. It's all about showing you care when they need it most.

There have been a few issues with Mom's house that we kids don't have the expertise to handle. Amazingly, there are people who have been gracious enough to offer discounted rates on their services to her simply because she is a widow - what a blessing!

Holidays are especially difficult. The first few Christmases my Mom had no desire to set up her decorations, inside or out. Yet we felt that it was necessary, so we went over to help set up. I think she was glad that they were up. But keep in mind, what goes up has to come down eventually. Volunteering to help with that task as well helped her get through a very difficult holiday season.

Our family is big on camping. We were planning on going camping the summer after my Pa passed away to our favorite place: Sunset Beach. A few weeks before he passed in April (before we could get to Sunset) we had a "camping trip" in my Pa's front yard. Our camping friends and our family all came and we pulled out lawn chairs, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire in the middle of the driveway, and sang campfire songs, all while Dad sat in his wheelchair with his oxygen tank behind him. The smiles that came from that man are what memories are made of. The next month (May) we had planned a family camping trip with all our trailers. Pa was gone. Mom had never gone camping without him. Since we have never wanted to squash her independence, my brothers have always pulled her trailer wherever she is going camping and help set up and take down. Doing this has allowed her to maintain some of her independence and her ability to do something that she truly loves and that also reminds her of wonderful times with her husband.

One thing that I think people are afraid to do is talk about the "deceased." Fact of the matter is that those mourning want to hear about the person they love. They want to hear your memories of that person because it helps them to "not forget." For Mom, it also shows that Dad had an impact on someone else's life and that he was important enough that people want to remember him. Plus, just because he's gone, doesn't mean that everything about him has to be erased. Talking about him makes him real, not just a memory.

Perhaps the most difficult trial has been allowing Mom to mourn in the way that works for her. She has been criticized left and right about how she shouldn't be crying anymore or that perhaps she should be trying to match herself up with a local widower. She should stop listening to the music that reminds her of Dad. She should, she should, she should... I have always scolded her for listening to the criticism. No one can walk in her shoes. No one has been married to my Dad but her. No one knows what it is like to love and be loved by my Dad. No one has lost a husband like my Dad was to my Mom. I don't think anyone should tell her how to mourn my Dad. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. :)

Looks like maybe I should write a book about this! Didn't realize I had learned so much!

My Mom is often concerned about being a burden to others. I can't get it through her head that it is a blessing to be able to take care of someone who has done so much for me. She deserves all the respect in the world! All who have walked in this world before us should be honored in this way. (Well, maybe not all, but many!)

My Mom loves hugs. My Pa was one of the best huggers ever and he gave them out frequently. Now he's not here to give Mom her daily dose of hugs. My kids and I try to fill in the best we can. Any gentle little touch is a blessing: a side hug, a touch on the shoulder or back, a gigantic bear hug. All those little signs of affection show her that she is important and valuable to us.

I guess the lesson today is just to show a lonely person that they matter,
even if it is in a little way.

Come One, Come All!

2011-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

SPRING FLING OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, April 30^th,

From 9-noon

Located at:

Ripon Library’s Community Room

Accessible from Main Street

Featuring:

Trading Hope Jewelry and Such

Fruitful Hands Boutique

Fountain of Youth Consignment

Homemade Baked Goods

Thirty-One

Scentsy

Silpada

Mary Kay

Recollect Photography

Pre-K Connection

For more information:

Contact Kathy at (209)-614-3746

klynncragin@yahoo.com

*Raffle to be held for gift baskets – no need to be present to win!

Just Do It! (No, Not a Nike Ad)

2011-01-11T20:10:00.001-08:00

Just Do It: One of Many Valuable Lessons Learned from Dot

As many of you know, Dot is my Mom. She is absolutely priceless! There are so many attributes, talents, and perspectives that make up me because of my mom's life lessons. And I'm still learning from her! One of those lessons was the "Just Do It" lesson. In a nutshell: you see something that has to be done...just do it. Seems so simple, doesn't it?

But in all actuality, how often do we pass something by simply because we don't feel like doing it or we don't know exactly how to tackle it or we're too busy doing something else and it'll mess up our multi-tasking mentality? I do that all the time! Even if it is just putting away a hairclip that has been on the entryway table for a week. Or maybe the gigantic load of laundry that needs to be folded, but by now it is so wrinkled it really should be put back in the dryer for a bit to get the wrinkles out. Ever do that? I tend to get involved in my projects up to a point and then start another because I'm really excited about it, forget about the first and before you know it, I've got 10 projects that I'm in the middle of finishing!

Dot taught me this: "Well, Kathy, if you see something that needs to be done, just do it, because (and here's the mind-blowing point) then it'll be done!" You'd think that because of it's simplicity, we should all know to do that, but when I put it into practice, wow, what a difference it made. It was more of a change of attitude than anything else.

Suddenly I was grabbing six different items as I left the family room, each belonging to a different room in the house. I just dropped them off and, ta-dah: clean family room. That pile of laundry wasn't so bad when I gave myself a reward of a Hershey's Kiss when it was all done (it's the little things for me!) When I had a big to do list, I did all the quick/easy things first and my list wasn't so overwhelming with just 3 things left to do instead of the 14 I had started with! Oh, and if I had a project I really wanted to work on, I made myself do a chore I didn't want to do first so I could really enjoy what I wanted to do! Plus, a straightened up room equals a bit of sanity for me. If I can just get one of the rooms in my house in order, I feel like I can handle life again. Cleaning up the entire house is sometimes just feels impossible. But one room, I can do that! Can you see the change in attitude for me?

If you truly want to meet someone who can help put your life in a state of sanity, you really should visit the flylady. (www.flylady.net) She was introduced to me by a dear neighbor of mine a long time ago, but it's been a while since I've visited the flylady. Her page might seem full, but if you take some time to look at what she has to offer (for free) you might just discover that what seems impossible can be accomplished. Sometimes it takes baby steps to control the chaos.

Just A Stick Of Butta!

2010-12-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

Carla's Almond Roca Recipe

Okay, so maybe it's more than just a stick of butter. The first time my dear

friend, Carla Sauer brought these goodies over as a Christmas treat, I was quite

certain that there was something very addictive in the Almond Roca. I'm

thinking it is the butter - there's two cubes, after all!

Today Jayne and I made Carla's Almond Roca.

It is so simple and SOO yummy,

you won't believe the ingredients. (I will post the full recipe at the bottom,

no need to take notes as you are reading!)

1. Cover a cookie sheet with foil and grease heavily with margarine.

2. Cover with soda crackers, laid side by side, touching.
3. Melt butter, add sugar. 4. Boil for 3 minutes.

5. Pour sugar mixture over crackers and spread.

6. Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes.

7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips.

8. Allow to melt, then spread with knife.

9. Sprinkle with nuts.

10. Let cool completely (if you can find room in the fridge!)

11. Break into pieces and ENJOY!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Carla, for sharing your delicious

recipe for me. You are always so generous with your delicious food,

never keeping any of the recipes secret - and I'm pretty sure I've

asked for every recipe that I have ever tasted from your house!

I hope you have the chance to make these - they will be a hit no matter

what time of year you serve them. I especially like them right out of the freezer.

More yummy goodness to come!

Kathy

Carla's Almond Roca Recipe:

1/4 cup margarine

2-3 dozen soda crackers

2 cubes of butter

1 cup of sugar

12 oz. chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped or sliced almonds

Cover cookie sheet with foil. Grease heavily with margarine.

Cover with crackers, laid side by side touching. Melt butter, add sugar.

Boil 3 minutes. Pour over crackers.

Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with

chocolate chips. Allow to melt, then spread with knife. Sprinkle with nuts.

Let cool completely. Break into pieces. Enjoy!!

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

Now that I have my website situation settled, it's time to move on to the Christmas traditions that are sneaking up on me this year. Most of them involve FOOD! This week marks the beginning of the full fledged baking season around this house. My husband will be picking up the essential ingredients tomorrow morning (because he is just the most wonderful husband ever - he does all the grocery shopping!) and the baking can commence!

This year, it will be nice to involve the kids a bit more. We mixed up some sugar cookie dough and both Jayne and Lincoln got to help. We haven't made the cookies yet, but somehow the cookie dough keeps disappearing! We end up making more dishes dirty when they help, but Jayne helps to wash them and someday maybe she'll actually get them clean.

So stay tuned this week. I will be sharing some recipes and pictures of our favorites, if only to make your mouth water... Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is never a shortage of fudge and it is always surrounded by various other cookies, candy, and sugar-filled treats. And this week Friday we will be carrying on the tradition of all the girls working with Grandma to create those delicious sugar cookies, cut out in all kinds of shapes and slathered with frosting and all the sprinkles the littlest girls can sneak on there!

If you are still looking for some Christmas gifts for your neices, sisters, moms, aunts, and pretty much all the women in your family, be sure to check out the boutique at its new address: http://www.fhboutique.com/. Although it is in its baby stages, you can find more pictures on our facebook fanpage as well as on flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/fruitfulhandsboutique/.

Looking forward to the food!

Kathy

Website under construction

2010-12-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Just wanted to post a correction: the website www.fruitfulhandsboutique.com is currently in the process of being bought back so it will not take you to OUR current site yet. When it does, I will let you know. For now you can find more on our flickr site as well as on our fan page on facebook.
THANKS!!
Kathy

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

*Please take note: the website's new address is

www.fhboutique.com

Christmas is upon us and it is time to start wishing!

Below you will find some of my favorites

from the boutique. Although I have many

of these items in my storage closet, I don't always get

to buy the beauties that reside there! So this

year I made a little wishlist of things that I

wish I owned from my very own boutique.

(Is it okay to do that? I think so!) Alice's washcloths - you can never have too many!

Shana's reusable lunch bags - just stick them
in the washing machine when they're dirty!

Shana's custom created felt flower clips.
Even mommies need to feel pretty!

Okay, I don't have a lick of pink in my house, but I
just adore this photo..-

Again, no red in my kitchen, but I LOVE the rooster

and the beautiful flowers that adorn the rest

of the towels!

And this BAG!!! Amanda has fantastic material

selection. I want one of every one!
They are even reversible with pockets!

This tri-strand turquoise bracelet.

I keep trying it on!

Glass bead snowflake ornaments.

This picture absolutely does not do them justice.

They are gorgeous.

Heather's gems. These necklaces sparkle like

nothing else. From every angle, you will catch

a different color shining back at you.

I think I'm in love!

Another of Heather's gems. A 5 karat amethyst.

My birthday's not even in February! I just want it!

So that concludes my list, but if I could start one

for my daughter, it would be even longer!

If you would like to see more, check out the website:

http://www.fhboutique.com/

or our flickr site (still a work in progress):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fruitfulhandsboutique/sets/

or our facebook fanpage (currently the most comprehensive):

simply type in "fruitful hands boutique" and it should take you there.

If you have any questions, requests, thoughts, or positive things to say,

you can always contact me at my email address:

klynncragin@yahoo.com

or my cell/business phone number:

(209) 614-3746

So, what's on your Christmas List?

Happy Shopping!

Kathy

Fallin'

2010-09-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Is it fall already? I thought I'd share some of our favorite fall creations! Next week the blog will be about Thanksgiving and the next week about Christmas! Just kidding (although it does seem to fly by so quickly!)

little girl pretties by Jaime

polka dotty bibs by Jennifer

earrings by Dorene

cosmo bag by Alice

white crackle pendant by Jaime

farmin' flour sack towels by Dot

two-strand beaded necklace, single-strand bracelet

and earrings in charcoal and brown

by Jaime

reversible day bag with pockets by Amanda

pillowcase dresses by Kathy

reusable grocery bags by Amanda

If interested in any of these creations,

please contact me (Kathy) at

(209) 614-3746

klynncragin@yahoo.com

Socks and Prayer

2010-08-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

(Another great perspective from guestblogger Leanne. It'll change the way you do laundry!)

I recently read in a book something I thought was worth repeating. I found as I read this book, it was all about perspective. How I see my life, the daily chores and situations, is really what can make or break my attitude. Not only can it change my attitude, but it can actually change lives.

What do I mean? Well, it’s about prayer.

As I sit in front of a load of laundry piled high, I manage to breathe a heavy sigh. I grab the first pair of jeans, fold them and plop them on the bed. Usually, I rush to get this desperately boring chore finished so I can move on to something else. Something more fun, like washing dishes. No, not fun, just next on my list.

Today is different. Today I found out that socks and prayer can go hand in hand.
This time as I fold my husband’s socks I lift up a prayer that the Lord would lead him and guide him throughout his day. That He would be His strength and protector. Next I grabbed his jeans and remembered the Lord promised to provide for us and was thankful my husband had a job to go to today. I also smiled as I thanked God for the amazing man that wears those jeans and looks so good in them!

Soon I held in my hands a smaller pair of socks. I knew they belonged to one of my boys because the writing was in green. They all wear different colors so I know whose is whose! I prayed for this little life that will grow to be a strong man someday. I prayed that God would take him places in his walk that only God could dream up.

I prayed for God’s protection over my next child who wears the socks with blue writing. Reminded of how many paths there are to choose from in life, I asked the Lord that His Spirit would lead him only into paths of righteousness and that he would walk with Jesus every day of his life.

Then came the tiny little socks. My little guy: such a sweet and talented boy. I talked to God about what His plans for his life might be. I know he will walk down many roads and will need the Lord to show him where to go next. I prayed for wisdom to raise him and for his feet to take him places where he can show God’s love to the lost, however God chose to do that.

My daughter rarely wears socks, but today I folded a pair that belonged to her. No words explain a mother’s heart towards her daughter. It’s almost a silent prayer that only God can hear and understand. I wipe a tear as I see her future so bright and laid out before her. Her musical talent will take her many places and her sweet spirit will cause her to bless so many. I prayed for God’s continued love and protection and grace on her life. That as she walks through life as a teenager and one day, a woman, she will always find her hope in Christ.

Yes, each little sock and pair of jeans reminded me of the precious lives that make up my family. Now when I fold, I pray. That is how lives are changed when I do laundry.

Simple Shabby Cheap!

2010-08-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

(Did you notice "cheap" in the title? Not "chic?" Yes, these items are cheap, but they are treasures!)

If you were to walk through my house, you would discover there are a LOT of shabby chic items. You know, sanded down items that look as though they are a million years old because they are so worn in. It's not so much that I LOVE shabby chic (I do like the look, but I like a lot of different styles). I actually sand things down on purpose because I have two kids under the age of 5 and when they scrach, dent, and ding up furniture, it only adds to the appeal of the piece. Goodness, kids are rough on furniture! That is also why we haven't bought a new piece since our oldest was born. Pretty much every piece of furniture we've acquired in the past 5 years has either been a hand-me-down, a garage sale item, or from a thrift store! I've just Kathy-ized them. Here are a few of the treasures that I have throughout our home:

This was an ugly $5 cabinet my Dad bought for me from a garage sale because he knew I was looking for something to put out on my patio to store stuff in. I thought it was a hopeless piece. I thought I'd experiment using a combination wax, paint, and my paint scraper to see what kind of catastrophe I could create. I must admit, I was quite pleased with this catastrophe. And it is useful for keeping the patio cleaned up (most of the time...)

We also managed to get a wine barrel (when my sister-in-law worked for a local winery) for our patio and set it up as somewhat of a bistro table. My husband carved out a "cork" for it. (I happen to love those little wooden fishermen/captains - you know, like that guy on the Wharf in Monterey.)

Jayne's room has a lot of shabby chic - it's easy to put white in her room. This toy box was purchased at a garage sale for $5. I put a coat of white on it and then scratched it up. Bet you can't tell which scratches are mine and which are hers?
The blanket is a rag quilt made by a very talented friend of mine - she made one for Lincoln, too. They are favorites of my kids. The pink "tutued" hippo was one of Jayne's finds at a garage sale.
This bookshelf was sitting outside a home in my neighborhood with a "free" sign on it. I spotted it while taking the kids for a walk. My husband was gracious enough to get in the truck and pick it up for me as soon as I got home from the walk! I didn't even have to paint it. It might just be one of my favorite pieces.

And her cute little rocking chair - I think I stole this from my parents' shop. Well, I think I probably got permission.

Can't leave Lincoln out: his is a chair given to me by a neighbor that I "re-upholstered." (I put that in the quotes to mean that "I tried my very best to recover this stinkin' chair in a way that people would look at it and not know that I used 150 staples and had to recut the material 4 or 5 times to make it work.") Again, if you don't look too closely, it is really cute!!
Oh - I almost forgot about this little one. I think this might actually be my favorite. Although no one has ever complimented me on it. Hmmm....maybe I need to rethink my taste in decor?!

Back to the backyard: My dad made some birdhouses that I have put in the yard (although I have not seen any birds in them). This particular birdhouse is in a potted plant holder turned upside down. The giant spoon on the wall was a treasure from the local antique mall (with the helpful eyes of my Mom - she is the antique Queen!)

Alas, there will be no more homemade birdhouses from my Dad, but a dear friend of mine paints beautiful birdhouses that her father makes. Perhaps soon you will see my yard adorned with a birdhouse with touches of "Janelle" on it!

Sometimes I get frustrated looking around my house and seeing all these leftovers. However, I am quickly reminded that all of these pieces have my personal touch. My frustration quickly turns to pride as I realize that I am using the gifts that God has given me to turn my house into our home. Besides, my children will only be young once and I'd rather enjoy them than worry about my furniture all the time!

Missing Pieces by Leanne

2010-08-04T22:15:00.001-07:00

Our first guest blogger is my sister-in-law, Leanne, who has been blessed with a great talent for writing. She can take even the smallest pieces of life and find an amazing application from God for our own lives! She gladly passed on a few devotionals for me to share with you. Look for more to come in the future! Here is her first (of many, hopefully!!) Thanks for sharing your gift, Leanne!!

“Missing Pieces”

“Mom,can you help me find my missing Lego piece” “Mom, I lost my Iron Man guy's helmet?” “Mom, have you seen my make-up bag?” “Honey, I only have one white sock in my drawer, can you find me the other one?” “Hey mom, how come I can't find my school book?”
Did I just scream out loud or was it in my head?

Does this sound familiar to anyone else? I feel as though I am constantly looking for something for someone! What they all don't realize is, I have to do the exact same thing they would have to do...look! You simply lift up the couch cushions, move the pile of books and look under it. Search the car or the pile of laundry in the laundry basket. Just standing in the same spot and spinning in circles will not help you find what you are looking for! Why does it seem like only I know this?

Well since I am called “Mom” I have found that my days are filled with meeting every one else's needs and desires. Is it always fun? No! Is it worth it? Yes!

When Jesus was here on the earth He often dealt with the same kinds of things. Everyone needed a healing touch, everyone needed prayer, everyone needed food or money. Everyone had a question or a complaint! Much like motherhood. Though Jesus had the power to just speak a word and all would fall into place (if only I had that power!) He usually gave us the example of hard work. He actually showed us how to live and meet the needs of others. He took the time to touch and heal and explain and train. It took much of his time and He took breaks to go and pray and seek the Father. He rested. He worked hard and never complained, but He knew the job that needed to be done and He did it with His whole heart: his heart of love and compassion.

“Oh Jesus, help me see the needs and meet them the best that I can. Help me call out to you for help and rest when I am tired. Help me to seek your will and not mine and see the little things with eternal eyes. Bring to remembrance your desire to find and restore the missing pieces in each and every heart and life.” amen.

Cheating at Motherhood

2010-07-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

Over the few years of motherhood that I have known, I have gathered loads of advice from so many wise people. I take the advice, I apply to my life and then when a friend asks for advice I realize that I am passing on someone else's good advice - I am cheating! Plagiarizing, even! Using someone else's advice and passing it on as my own - shame on me! They taught me better than that in jr. high, high school, and college. And yet what have I done in real life? I've been cheating at motherhood.

No matter how this wisdom is acquired, from friends and family or through your own experiences, when you are able to apply it to your own life and situations, it is invaluable! Here are just a few nuggets that I have written down in my memoir (a brown spiralbrown notebook with the penciled-in title: "Kathy's Book of Gathered Wisdom.")

Children are an inheritance, not an inconvenience.
Give 9 lbs of praise for every 1 lb of correction.
Don't expect your children to be any more spiritual than you are.
Strong-willed children are the future Peters and Pauls.
Speak God's word to them even before they can understand God's word.
Whatever discipline you choose, be consistent with it.
God has a plan for your children. Seek Him and start training them for these things.
Children are born foolish, with lack of judgment and self-control. Don't expect them not to be that way, just train them.
Children go through stages. Stay consistent and "this, too, shall pass!" (Can't tell you how this helped in potty training and bedtime issues!)
Apply the Pat Principle with your kids: "When in doubt, pat." God made lots of patting places - heads, cheeks, knees, hands, shoulders, backs.
Delight in your children!
One of my favorites: Stong in self-will now can be strong in God's will with training. (If you've ever met my daughter, you'd know why this applies!)

The best and most important advice always comes from God's word:
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in mercy." Psalm 103:8 - Good principles to apply to parenthood.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6 - How DO you handle the entire roll of toilet paper flushed down the toilet? Or the entire box of Cheerios spilled on the kitchen floor? (Obviously my children are still young!)
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 - Yell often?
Remember, your battle is not with your son or daughter. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 - Your battle is with the enemy. Don't be intimidated by a rebellious spirit. Jesus is Lord above that, too.

The Bible is FULL of what we need. We just have to put the time in to find it!

This blog is a big THANK YOU to all who have given me their advice and allowed me to glean from their wisdom. Again - I can't take credit for any of these words! I cheated! (Don't worry, I won't tell anyone if you cheat off of me!)

Kathy

Posting Pictures

2010-07-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Bear with me...just posting pics of some new items. I'm thinking the more I do this, the better I will be!

Hmmm...managaed to make them all straight - amazing!

In a Pickle!

2010-05-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

You ever feel like your in the middle of a mess and don't know where to go next? Sometimes with this new business, I feel that way! I wouldn't say that the business is a mess, but sometimes my brain gets ahead of itself and comes up with so many ideas that I just don't know what to do or where to go next. And then I just sit and do nothing! No good. My mom taught me the best motivation - just do it! Sounds like a Nike ad, but it is so true. When you sit on the couch feeling overwhelmed by what you need to do, if you just get up and do one small thing, then it's accomplished! Then you do another small thing, and that's one more thing done. I have found that even when I am exhausted, if I just get started, I get so much accomplished!

So, looking at the laundry sitting on the couch that caught up to me makes me think that maybe I'd better just go do it! It's just a few loads to fold, right? Oh, and then the load that's in the dryer...and the big load that's in the washer. Hmmm, guess I'd better go get started!

Resting

2010-05-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're sitting in the calm before the storm? That's my Sunday! Sundays are my day to take a break, rest from the busyness of the week and just not work! Not even laundry. And the best part is that I don't have to feel bad about it. Sundays are a gift from God: a time to reflect on the past week and look forward to the whirlwind of the coming week, but not worry about either one.

So today I enjoyed a morning at church (which I got to on time only by the grace of God!) and then took the kids to Grandma's house. After great fellowship, we came home to eat some lunch and play. I enjoyed my book and my coffee throughout the day. Overall, I rested - what a good feeling. And the day isn't over yet!

Sunday has turned out to be my favorite day.

p.s. There's lots of exciting things happening on Fruitful Hands Boutique, but since it's Sunday, you're going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out more about it!

Not so morbid...

2010-04-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

I used to think it was kind of morbid or perhaps depressing when people wrote down the songs they wanted to have sung at their funeral. Old hymns or worship songs that other people would be singing once they had passed on. A couple of weeks ago I wrote a song in my Bible that I want sang at my funeral. We were singing "It is Well," and one part of the verse really hit home with my life currently, and then I realized that it could very well be my life's theme song. That's when I got it: when a song means that much and speaks to every part of your life for the rest of your life, that's when you write it in your Bible. Because someday, when I pass on to heaven, I want people to sing this song at my funeral and "get" it. Maybe it will speak to someone there like it speaks to me today.

"Whatever my lot,

thou hast taught me to say:

it is well,

it is well with my soul."

Multi-tasking

2010-04-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

I've realized that one thing women do exceptionally well is multi-task. I can't tell you how many things are going on in my head at once, sometimes! Men can focus on one thing, get it done, and move on. Not me. I will walk out of a room to another with one purpose and accomplish 3 other things on my way there!

On a larger scale, my multi-tasking abilities are being STRETCHED! Currently, we are finishing up some home remodeling (people in and out of the home regularly), I am working on our Relay for Life projects (coming up mid-May), running my little business, and contemplating the set-up of our office for homeschooling next year. Oh, and being a wife and mom at the same time. I don't write all this to toot my own horn. Just because I'm doing it doesn't necessarily mean I'm doing it well! But I am trying to do it all to the best of my ability.

As I sat finishing my lunch today, I realized that somewhere in all this, sometimes I just need a place to sit and write and share all that is going on. Writing has always been a good way to just let it all out! I remembered my blog that I had started who-knows-when and thought I would share it here.

Today is a day of laundry. Not terribly exciting, I know. But on the other side of things, this morning when I checked my email, I had a picture of a gorgeous baby blanket that my friend wants me to sell for her. I also had an email from a couple of ladies who might be interested in selling other items that I have felt were missing from the boutique. That was very exciting for me! It's as though God knew where the "holes" were in the boutique and is looking to fill them for me.

I looked at the calendar this morning and realized that Mother's Day is closer than I thought: less than 2 weeks away. Yikes! So I guess I'd better promote, promote, promote! There are some great custom creation that can be made, but the orders need to be made soon. (Towels, aprons, notecards, purses, flower accessories...) If you look on the facebook page, you can see some other ideas. If you are a facebook(er) then you simply type in "fruitful hands boutique" and you will see the fanpage for the boutique come up.

Now to continue on to laundry...

Learning...

2009-12-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

So, here I sit, wondering why I am starting a blog and I realize it's because I like to talk!! And it's much easier to do on this blog than it is to do on the website itself. This I can figure out. The website has to be published by my wonderful (and patient) husband. I can work and create and add on to the site, but it won't be updated on the internet until he has a moment from his busy day to actually sit at the computer and publish it. This, I can do all by myself!

I think I will start with a little background on the website. Many years ago, it became a dream of mine to be able to sell my hand-crafted/painted/created items somewhere... but where? I thought about starting a little store all by myself, but the overhead seemed impossible! I wanted to bring in other people's works as well, but didn't think I could ask until I had a place to display their items. So, I sat on that idea for a while. My focus became my family: two children will do that to you. Then this summer, I gave etsy.com a try and found it so difficult to promote my own items and spent a lot of time posting items with no luck of selling them. Guess that way just wasn't for me. I finally decided to sit and write down in a notebook all the ideas I had that finally resulted in the website: www.fruitfulhandsboutique.com

Fruitful Hands Boutique was created as a place for women to share their amazing hand-crafted talents. Based on the Proverb 31 woman, it gives women a something to strive for (a woman that I will be striving to be for the rest of my life!!!). Proverbs 31:31 states: "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." It is my hope to be able to give women the opportunity to achieve this through my little boutique.

The essential details of the boutique are this: You create what you are good at. I do everything else. I will store your item, take pictures, post it on the website, and get it sold (at least I hope to!) and, if necessary, deliver or send it in the mail. I receive a percentage for my efforts and a percentage also goes directly to a charitable organization, which currently is Bethany Christian Services (www.bethany.org).

And that is the long and the short of it. Well, mostly the short of it.