Lemonade Makin' Mama

Sweet

2012-01-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hey gang! I've been baking up a storm today and I have no idea why. I just felt the need. Nervous energy I think, because my man's been in Tennessee all week and is coming home tonight- SO EXCITED. I do get really nervous when he's in the air, hence the baking, and baking, and baking. I hope he wants to eat a couple dozen gluten free sugar cookies! (Icing recipe found here and cookie recipe found here)

So...very randomly... have you guys been having trouble leaving comments? I get people telling me that all the time and I don't know what's up with Blogger anymore... seems to be falling apart on us! I heard that if I tweaked my comment box and made it a pop up window, that would help you guys. So I did. We'll see if it helps or not.

Also, have you ever read a book and wanted to just strangle the women in it, because you could clearly see what they should be thinking and doing differently? Ugh. I just read a book like that... drove me nuts. And then as I was driving around today I started thinking that perhaps if someone was reading a book of my life, they might be feeling the same way about me. Ha! Two years of struggling to be out of a funk... always on the unknown edge of life changing but never actually changing, fighting for control of an out-of-my-hands situation. I drive my own self crazy. Someone should write a book about me. (I'm kidding. Please don't. It wouldn't be a very good book anyway.) The book was for my book club, ironically titled, "The Book Club." (Book club girls if you're reading this, please ignore that I just said all that until book club, mkay?)

Have you ever wanted to make a cute, tiny pedestal? You know... just on some off chance that you think exactly like I do? I made this one using an egg cup and a small plate. I first marked the center on the back of the plate. Then I smeared superglue all over the rim of the egg cup, and stuck it onto the backside of the plate. Done. Cute huh? (Tiny brownies in muffin cups with more of the same icing and gummy hearts.)

Also, Target was out of heart shaped marshmallows. I almost cried. I went there specifically to get them... and they were gone. Nearly broke my heart. Don't laugh. I take my marshmallows very seriously, and I've been trying to get those suckers for two years now, for my kids.

Okay lastly.. and I know this doesn't have anything to do with anything, (when does it ever?) but I'm working on a post with a bunch of your questions. I get random questions all the time about things (Love that) and yeah... I'm kinda bad about answering them. I'm working on getting MUCH better. It's been a goal. To be honest, I have a hard time imagining that you guys have many questions that I haven't already vomited all the answers to previously... but if you do, leave them in comments, and I'll do my best to answer them soon.

Fire away!

DIY Subway art for around $10

2012-01-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

Who's excited? Cause I know I am, and I don't want to be the only one at this party. I found a fabulous tutorial a while back, and bookmarked it because I knew in the very core of who I was, that it was a craft project that might very well change my life forever. (Does this ever happen to you?) Customized subway art for under $10.00. EEEKKK! I've been a fan of subway art for a really long time which makes sense since I'm also a big fan of words, and inspiring quotes, etc. I just love to have things that inspire me, all around the house. Our family adopted a family verse/motto last year, and I knew there would be a time when I'd either paint it onto a canvas, or something... and then I realized... it would be perfect as subway art.

Any questions you have, are most likely already answered on either her post, the posts she links within that post, or within the comments of her post. I had about eight questions before I began, but they're all answered in her tutorial. I followed her directions, and got my $2.99 blueprint copy ordered online, from Staples. To create the jpeg file, I took her recommendation and edited a high resolution photo that I didn't want, in Picnik, blacked it out with a great big black rectangle so none of the actual photo showed, and then added text in white over the top of the black. Beware, you only have til mid-April to do this if you're going to use Picnik. (I know there are other ways to do this, but I didn't have time to mess with that, so I just used Picnik. It's what I know. And yes, you just heard me choke back a sob. I'm going to miss you Picnik!) I'm mainly going to show you how to make the wood box for the print, since she shows you how do pretty much everything else in her tutorial.

I went to the hardware store (have I ever mentioned just how much I love the hardware store? Mmm, the smell of lumber, early in the morning) and I asked the nice gentleman working in the lumber department to cut the end of my my thin board off so it would be the correct size. (24x36") I also grabbed a couple of these pine slats so I could make my "box." Two of them were 24" and two of them were 36". I had to trim two of them just slightly so they would fit inside the other two, forming my frame. I used very thin nail brads to attach everything because I was afraid of splitting the wood.

I recommend nailing your frame together before nailing it to the slab of plywood.

Start with the corners, and then once those are secure, add a bunch of extra nail brads all around the edges so it becomes a sturdy wooden box.

I forgot to mention that you might want to make sure and measure your subway art print before you have everything cut. Oh and... um... measure twice, cut once. You already knew that though, right?

Paint the edges black so that it will blend in with the paper sign that you've by now, so painstakingly created and ordered.

Cheri recommends Elmer's spray adhesive in her tutorial, and I'm one of those girls that goes with something if someone says it's good. I'm very trusting when it comes to crafts. This stuff is great, but make sure and use it outside. I'm sure you knew that too. I'm just sayin'.

I have no photographic documentation of the following process, because it gets sticky and messy from here on out, and I was just one little woman, with two hands, and two wild and crazy children trying to devour the contents of my refrigerator at this point. (But don't worry, Cheri documented it very well on her tutorial.) Basically here's what you want to do. Spray the thing down with adhesive, especially the corners. Then roll up your print, and slowly begin to attach the bottom edge of the wood "box" with the bottom edge of the print, carefully unrolling and pressing it onto the wood as you go. Savvy? Once dry, run a piece of fine sandpaper around all the edges. It distresses beautifully. Wipe off, hang up, and you're done!

Are you as happy as I am about this? Because people, I'm happy. (Now, I just need to sell my house so I can hang it up.)

Materials used from Lowe's:
(1) 5.2mm 2x4' birch plywood slab cut down to 36" long
(2) 3/8 2x24" pine craft slats (cut ends off just a little (measure first) so they fit inside the 36" pine slats for your frame.)

(2) 3/8 2x36" pine craft slats
Materials used from Sherwin Williams: (I already had this on hand)
(1) color to go in Tricorn Black paint
Materials used from JoAnn or Michaels: (I also had this on hand)
(1) can of Elmer's spray adhesive
Materials used from Staples:
(1) Engineering Blueprint copy of my jpeg file

Express yourself in porcelain

2012-01-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

I have a super busy week planned, so I thought I'd get a jump on posting. I love it when I find an idea that I can easily ~~copy~~ replicate. Not so long ago, I found a photo on Pinterest that showed a Pride and Prejudice quote, written onto a white mug. I was so excited, I immediately created a bunch of them for each of my book club girls as Christmas gifts. Sadly, they didn't turn out very well and I'm not sure anyone was jumping up and down for joy about them. I knew there had to be a better way to make them.

Just a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this tutorial, outlining everything I needed to know about personalizing plain, white mugs.

Begin with plain, white mugs of your choice. I purchased the very fine point pen she recommends here. (I couldn't find it anywhere else.) I'm so glad I went ahead and got that pen, because it made all the difference! I didn't use transfer paper like she did, because I wasn't tracing an image.

I wrote free hand, directly onto the mug. I had to wipe it off in two places before I was satisfied with how it looked.

Once you have the lettering "just so," place your mugs right into a 300 degree oven, and "bake" for 30 minutes. Once cool, they will be dishwasher safe.

The quote I used from Pride and Prejudice, was broken up in to four parts on two mugs. So it's kind of a matched set. Like my man and I. "In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." (Maybe we all need to have a collective sigh over that.)

It's my humble opinion, that these are the perfect sweet surprise for yourself, or anyone who loves romance, on Valentine's day.

If you can convince your man that they aren't too girly... you might be able to enjoy a steaming cup of something yummy with him.

I wanted to write, "Mr. Darcy" on one and "Miss Bennet" on the other. But I knew that would be crossing the girly line. Ha!

I have another tutorial coming later this week, so stay tuned! Have you seen any good tutorials on something fun lately? I'd love to hear about it if you have!

Scenes from Cozy

2012-01-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven on a wintery day, is there? I love the way they make the whole house smell. We've been having our share of cozy days all week with the snow and school being out.

I was bribed by some little faces, into making a few tiny cookies for a tea party. Well, who can say no to that?

I don't remember doing tea parties when I was little. Did you guys? I loved Barbie dolls and reading, plus we had a tree house, friends with horses, and forts up and down the local creek bank, so I was out-of-doors a lot! Could be why I love being outside so much.... I do think the tea party is a very sweet thing...

So as we wind into the weekend, I've been thinking about a few fun DIY things I'll be tweaking and doing this upcoming week in my little world. I am planning to make a really big subway art sign with our family bible verse, and I'll be following an amazing tutorial for it that I'll be sure to share with you guys later this next week... (It looks incredibly easy) I'm also going to be making some Valentine mugs, from another tutorial too. (Even though my man said he wouldn't be drinking out of them because they're too girly. Whatever.. No man is perfect, though mine is pretty close.)

This doesn't have much to do with tutorials, but I've recently tweaked a couple of things and wanted to share one of them with you. I had a sweet flowy blouse that I've been wearing off and on since last Summer. Only it was a pale tan color, and I was quickly becoming bored with it. I bought a box of dye, and now it's a pinkish tone. Quick and affordable fix- I think a box of Fuschia Rit dye cost me less than $2.00 at the grocery store! I dyed it in a bucket. Easy!

My brain is full of all the upcoming celebration planning that happen from Valentine's Day to the end of April in my world. All of my peeps have birthdays in the little space of time, not to mention babies being born, Easter, Seder dinner, etc... and they are already talking about it all. It's going to be a busy spring around here! I'm sure I'll be wearing Pinterest out.

The snow is melting away as I type, and rain is softly falling. That's one of the perks of living in the Pacific NW. It never lasts very long! I've never been so happy to see pavement before in my entire life. I was house-bound from Sunday to yesterday afternoon, as there was no school all week, and I'm not a very good snow driver. (I drive a very tiny, light car, and I don't have much experience in snow, so I generally stay put unless I have to leave.) I finally got out. It felt so good!

What are you guys up to all weekend?

Currently...

2012-01-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Currently loving... this stage of life with my children. No diaper bag. No car seats... just jump in the car and go stage.
Currently reading... Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Always once a year, before Valentine's Day. My own little tradition. Mr. Darcy.... sigh.
Currently waiting for... my house to sell. (I'm sorry... I had to say it. I try not to say it... but there it always is.) I feel a little like that Dory fish on "Finding Nemo" singing, "Just keep waiting, waiting. wah-wah-wah-wah-waitttiiiinnnnnggggg."
Currently excited about... getting my hair done. I haven't done anything but dye it dark brown for years. Just wait til you see.... wait.... (why is this a common theme in my life right now? I want some instant gratification NOW! Bwahahahaha. But really, I do.)
Currently missing... routine. This snow has shut schools and other things down and I'm ready for it to leave soon so I can get back into some sort of daily structure!
Currently trying... new gluten free recipes for my family.
Currently working at... going to bed earlier. I want to get up earlier and LIKE it.
Currently enjoying... Deep water running with Nurse Nicki. And if this snow ever melts, we'll continue!
Currently snacking on... raw almonds. Ehhhh... whatever.
Currently using... Burt's Bees "Red Dahlia" tinted lip balm. My chapped lips love it and it's so soft, pretty, and natural looking with a hint of color.
Currently wearing... my husband's hoody sweatshirt that hangs to my knees. (Don't tell him, but I steal it regularly. I think he might suspect because he sniffs everything before putting it on- tell me your man does that too- and he often makes the face...you know, the "Eh... perfume!" face. Oops.)

Currently planning...a girl's weekend away with my book club. I'm in desperate need. Desperate!! (And girls if you're reading this... we have got to settle on a date soon!)
Currently singing... "Only You, Lord Jesus, Only You." (My hoodlums were singing it over breakfast and now it's in my head. It's a worship song we sing at our church.)
Currently needing... new socks. I kid you not, I have three pairs without holes and those ones are so threadbare, they're surely soon to go. Why do I not just grab some? What is so difficult about buying socks? I just wrote it on my grocery list. There.
Currently learning... that sometimes you have to say nothing.
Currently listening to...a very clear message on extending forgiveness even when it's not been asked for.
Currently wishing... I could go on a mission trip to Haiti.
Currently doing... a painting of an old green truck.
Currently praying for...my dad's job, my man's scheduled business trips over the next couple months, my brother's soon-to-arrive baby, some relationship stuff, kid stuff, house stuff, and thanking God for all of it, the good and bad... Every single bit of it.
Currently dreaming of... a vacation to Hawaii. But of course we would be stupid to do that when we're so up in the air financially right now, and hoping to move, so yeah, it probably won't happen. Still... my man was counting up our air miles and surfing destinations on the internet the other day. It certainly doesn't hurt to dream. It's the only place besides Disneyland and to see Becky that I've ever been... want to bring my babies there someday too!

Okay it's your turn if you want... you can give me a run down of a few of your current statuses in comments just for fun.

Somehow I always have something to talk about. Even when I don't.

2012-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a really good, completely sugar-free dessert, I've got it right here and it came from one of my besties, Betsy. Okay first, put a can of coconut milk into the fridge for a few hours to chill. Once it's good and cold, pour it into your mixing bowl, and put it into the freezer for about 20 minutes. While that's in there, dump some fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries...mmmm) into some little bowls. (Yes I adore these bowls and use them constantly. Are you guys getting sick of seeing them?) Then put some raw almonds into a food processor and chop them until they are a fine crumble. Sprinkle some over the fruit, and pop into a warm oven. Heat until the fruit is warm and juicy.

Your coconut cream should be ready to whip. Add a tsp or two of vanilla or almond extract, and whip until it's the consistency of whipped cream. I wanted something chocolatey, so I added a TBSP or two (can't remember) of unsweetened cocoa powder. (Remember this is supposed to be sugar free so don't expect it to taste like a brownie. Cause it won't. It will just give you something naturally good for you and slightly sweet for a treat.) You wouldn't have to put in the cocoa. If you don't it lacks the bite of unsweetened cocoa, but it's up to you. I liked it both ways but I'm not a very picky person. (I like mineral water too, which also has a bite.) Put a generous dollop over your warm fruit and nut concoction and enjoy. (Refrigerate any leftover coconut cream- it'll stay the same consistency for a while, but if you need to, you can re-whip it just before serving it again.)

And now... just a few snowy day pictures. I realized I hadn't posted any pictures of myself lately... what's up with that? I want you guys to know who you're talking to, so I try and make sure to make regular appearances. You know? It drives me crazy when I can't visualize who I'm reading. I need to connect! (giggle)

I'm ready for this snow to leave now. Everything shuts down when it snows here because it's usually got ice underneath from all of our natural moisture here in the Pacific NW, and can be dangerous. But I've got places to go and things to do and people to see! Ha! Plus I have a really FUN and exciting hair apt coming up next week and this snow had better be gone or I'll just plain cry. LMM needs her hair done!!

Then again... I sure do enjoy being home with my babies.

Need a little sunshine in your life? Today, I dragged in this old barn wood in from my garage, and painted on it. I originally planned to use this chippy old lumber for my family established signs, but it wasn't smooth enough so it's been sitting in the garage waiting... until today when I splashed some cheery golden paint between some stencils (why didn't I think of that before?) and hand-painted the top part. I don't know if I'm going to keep or sell it, but thought I'd give you guys a chance at it first if you want it.

It's big, (over 3 feet long) so it's going to be a pretty hefty shipping fee, probably about $20, but I'm planning to price it at $75.00 (same price as my family est signs) if I list it. (Unless nobody wants it, and if that's the case.... it'll look darling above my bed someday!) If you want it, claim it at lemonademakinmama@comcast.net, first come, first serve. (SOLD)

Do you have snow where you're at too? I hope you all have a sunshiney day today!

Public Svc. Announcements, Ma Ingalls, Maple snow ice cream, and LOL

2012-01-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Here on the Lemonade Makin' Mama blog, we do not promote, condone, or encourage public displays of wild drinking. We (as in I) don't like whiskey, and the content of the following post is for laughs and giggles only, not intended to point anyone toward any irresponsible whiskey binges. Please consult your physician should you feel the urge to imbibe for medicinal purposes. Thank you."

That said...

I'd also like to say that I love, adore, and want to be Ma Ingalls. And I'd like to make a heartfelt plea to the Laura Ingalls Historical society to please not sue me for slander because of this post... The following is so obviously preposterous as to be hysterical in it's fictional content.

There. I think I've covered myself, and hope to offend no one.

So yeah... today I was planning on making some maple snow ice cream (photos shown throughout post, and recipe at bottom) with my hoodlums. I mean, they're eating the stuff anyway, so why not add some flavorings? It's what Ma Ingalls would have done. (Who I love, by the way.) I originally got the idea from my friend Shawn when she posted a similar recipe on Facebook yesterday. (Thanks Shawn!) And then my BFF Alli, started texting me early this morning about "stuff" and it had me hanging over the bathroom sink laughing so hard, it took me twice as long to blow dry my hair. And because I found it funny, I decided I should share it with you. Please don't be offended. Alli and I love Ma Ingalls and loathe whiskey. Mkay?

Alli: "Where did you find the arm and hammer laundry booster. I can't find it."
Me: "I think it's called washing pwdr or something...in the laundry aisle at Fred Meyer."
Alli: "Thanks I'm obviously using your recipe. I'm also making my own liquid hand soap and dishwasher soap. So Lil House of me..."
Me: "I'll just call you Ma Ingalls."
Alli: "I love it :) but did Ma have a glass of wine after she did her chores? I think I might have missed that part of the episode."
Me: "Lol oh my word I love you. I think...she had whiskey...you know "for medicinal purposes" and all...
Alli: "Yes for her pesky "cough"'
Me: "And maybe for the "migranes" from Laura and Mary's constant bickering..."

I mean really... can't you almost see sweet, gentle Ma sinking down into her rocker, reaching for her knitting and saying, "Well Charles... I finally got the girls to sleep.... I've got a raging back ache from all that butter churning. Shall we have a little toddy before bedtime?" To which I'm sure Charles put down his fiddle, and reached into the cupboard for their nightcap.

Which of course he didn't.

I'm just saying. It would have been a funny twist to the story to see them do something so out of character. But of course not very kid-appropriate.

Lastly... I have to tell you guys this. Up until a couple of years ago, I thought that "LOL" meant, "Lots of love." I really did. So when I'd get text messages from my peeps and they'd say "LOL" I just thought they loved me a LOT and wanted to say it to me over and over again. It made me feel so good....

And Mama... just in case you're reading this... LOL means, "Laugh out loud" not "Lots of love." I know this probably surprises you too....

Life is too serious. Laugh. (you know... out loud.)

Maple Snow Ice Cream

2 cups milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Whisk all ingredients together until well blended. Then take it outside and add about 15 cups of fresh CLEAN snow, whisking until smooth and creamy. Serve into cups immediately. (freeze any leftovers.)

P.S. This is awesome according to three small hoodlums, my man, and four empty bowls.

Take the time...

2012-01-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

Take the time to brush her hair slowly, gently, breathing in the scent of shampoo and the sweetness of little girl because soon she won't need you for those things. Soon, she'll be grown...

Take the time to make their hot cocoa extra creamy, dumping in a whole handful of marshmallows, because these are the things they'll remember.

Take the time to admire the snowflakes, each one an individual masterpiece.
Take the time to pull little ones on a sled before they get too big for that.

Take the time to slide on your favorite slippers, put your feet up, and watch Father of the Bride with your loved ones. .

Take the time to bake homemade bread.
Take the time to encourage and acknowledge for a job well done.

Take the time to laugh. Really laugh when your kids do something funny in hopes that you see it.

Take the time to walk in the snow,breathing in the cold, crisp air that almost stings your lungs.

Take the time to savor fresh guacamole, bright green and creamy.

Take the time to extend forgiveness.

Take the time to rest.

Take the time to really be there in the moment.

Take the time to say, "I love you."

Take the time to be thankful in all things... even those that hurt to the core, because in that thankfulness you find healing.

Take the time to soak up the monotonous daily moments, because they are fleeting.

Take the time to love in all things.

Love is all you need, peppered with weekend snapshots

2012-01-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Right now, I feel well loved. Bathed in it really... As I read the comments on my previous post I can't help but tell you guys that I don't remember a post I was more afraid to write, a vulnerability I was more afraid to reveal, and a piece of the yuck inside me I was more afraid would repulse. I have read them several times. All of them.

"Thank you" feels inadequate to say to each one of you... the ones who newly commented, or appeared for the first time, and those of you I am familiar with because of your daily stops... those of you who referenced encouragement sources, verses, and personal stories... Thank you for the love. It really bounced me back from the edges of a pit of sadness, in ways I could never share... it was precious.

I had one of the sweetest love-thank you's late last week too. I had to share. Do you guys remember that post I recently wrote about a little neighborhood girl? The one I said "Yes" to?

Well, the other day she was doing a craft project at my kitchen counter, and just blurted out, "It's so peaceful here." I just smiled at her and before I could say anything further, she shyly stated, "It's never peaceful at my house...." I hugged her.

It's so hard to keep my heart from twisting, not knowing what that precious little thing goes home to every night after she leaves my house. But I'll keep saying, "yes." She made me a tissue paper heart decoration for my fridge. It's a little burst of love.

And now.... the reason I feel literally drenched in love. We don't get a lot of snow where I live. Usually a couple weeks tops, and more than often, the rain washes it away long before it has time to settle in. The forecast called for snow all week long and millions of elementary school children began praying their little hearts out for school cancellations.

Wearily, I shopped for gluten free hot cocoa and marshmallows on Friday, knowing we'd have chilly little hands to warm up after snowman making and sledding excursions all week long. Throughout last week, I'd counted half a dozen cars pulling into our driveway, downloading house information on smart phones, peeking in my windows, talking on the phone about my house for long stretches of time, excitedly grabbing fliers... and I was beginning to look forward to the open house scheduled for today.

Except for that darn forecasted snow that was threatening to make it's appearance, which would surely cancel an open house, here in the Pacific NW.

And then the snow began to fall.... everywhere in the county except for our city.

I giggled as I sat on the couch last night with Adrain, saying, "Wouldn't it be hysterical if it snowed everywhere but here?" And then I thought some more... "Man I would sure feel loved if God ignored all the millions of pleas for snow from kids, and held it back for little ol' me."

Currently, the open house is on, and even though no one may come... or no one may buy our house yet, it's on. The dusting of snow that appeared early this morning is competing with the sunshine that is flooding through my windows as I type.

Snow is on it's way for tonight... and I don't mind. Because this tiny little thing said, "I love you," to my soul, from the One who is very fond of ME. Yes...even little ol' me.

What's something small that has said, "I love you" to your soul lately?

It all depends on how you frame it.

2012-01-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

I tend to be a very tender-hearted and sensitive person, wearing my heart out on my sleeve. Ordinarily this serves me rather well because people tend to respond to a warm, open person who just vomits it all out there for them. (Well at least in my experience they do, but since that's all I know I suppose I'm generalizing here.) I have a lot of people in my world that are um...you might say... a little less sensitive and open.

I feel like I've been getting kicked in the teeth by those who I want to be my listening ears, understanding hearts, and encouraging partners. But what if my thinking has been all twisted? I've been feeling like I'm on an island with nowhere to turn because I either say the wrong things, think the wrong things, or feel bad for saying what I'm thinking lately.

I started wondering if this kick me cause I'm down thing just felt like that because I was already down.

And that's when I read it. Beth Moore says, "...our minds work to frame every circumstance, temptation, and experience we have. We see events from our own perspective and context. Have you noticed how two people can look at the same experience differently? They put the event in different frames and act accordingly. Our reaction depends on how we have framed the event....Often we cause ourselves more pain by the way we frame events than the events themselves cause. Let's pretend we've already won the battle over our thought lives. How could you frame that particular situation differently."

I'll be honest, I haven't won that battle yet but I know she's right... I do cause myself way more pain because of the frame I'm looking through! My heart has been aching since late December. The hurts are still raw and things keep piling on in addition to that. I know I'm framing it all according to my dimly flawed perspective and that's the wrong frame to use... so I'm working on seeing it differently. As I work, I avoid. I get so afraid of making it worse by saying the wrong things to the people in my life, as I process it all, so I avoid them altogether which just makes me a lonely and sad person. Ugh... it's a bad cycle.

So for now I'm just burying myself in work and praying for healing and a new frame for each step as I trust in the Lord. I think He is working me hard right now you guys... deep, nasty work that must truly be important or it wouldn't be so stinking hard. I'm praying this verse over myself- "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3.

Do you know what I'm talking about here? Do you agree that we make things worse by how we frame things?

By the way... my Etsy shop is open again! All items shown above and more, can be found here.

my little drop of sunshine ring

2012-01-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

I just mentioned this the other day, but it's been really gray and rainy lately. So dark and colorless that it's been doing wonders for my mood. Ha! Anyway, I was reading the sweet blog of one of my longtime favorite bloggers, Carissa (who takes amazing-to-die-for photographs and has the sweetest heart, just so you know...) and she showed a picture of a darling yellow ring. It was like a burst of sunshine to my heart. Which I know is rather stupid, since it didn't belong to me and all...but things around these here parts have been a little rough going... Anyway, I immediately contacted Carissa to find out about her ring and she put me in touch with a fellow Etsy vendor who made it for her.

I still had a little bit of credit in my Etsy account so I used it up and brought this home. It's my little drop of sunshine ring and I might just wear it every single day for the rest of my life.

I mean, I can't wear it today because I've been silk screening all day long and wait til you see what I came up with all spur-of-the-moment-like today! (Okay I'll just tell you... in a few days I'll show you... GRAY eat napkins. Gray people!! Holy cuteness Batman!! One might think I'd had enough gray for a lifetime with this weather and why on earth would I bring it inside... but they're awfully sweet and so I did. I'll probably have to pair them with my yellow polka dotted bowls, but they are oh-so-sweet!)

Okay sorry, back to my story. I got all excited-distracted-crazy there for a moment. It's been one of those days.

Here's what I love.

Buying from Etsy... you get these precious little packages in the mail, all handmade sweetness and attention to detail, and I've never met an Etsy vendor that wasn't the nicest person on the planet. Ohsweetleeme is no exception to this... if you need a lovely gift for anyone, please go see her shop, post haste! (I told you it was one of those days.... I'm using phrases like, "post haste.") But seriously, go... she has all kinds of cuteness in there!

And now, I'm just going to look at my little drop of sunshine ring... and know that brighter days ARE ahead. They just are. I think.

I love...

2012-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Hey all. I don't know what it is, but I've been really struggling the past few weeks and it all seemed to funnel into one big yucky pile on me this weekend. Just ugh. You know? I'm confused, made myself really upset by not representing myself well in a tough situation, and to be honest, I think I'm a little depressed about my present circumstances. Oh how I hate to admit that even to myself! Of course the grey skies and constant rain in the Pacific NW aren't helping. So... I think it's time for another I love post!

I love...
Peacock feathers

silver wishbone pendant necklaces

sea salt

the color orange

faded jeans with bare feet

butterflies

turquoise anything
baby showers

good photos

old trucks

jason bourne

tommy girl perfume

long, black shirts

unexpected surprises

reasons to dress up

infinity scarves

phase ten and guestures

jane austen

my navy blue toms

word art

the hope of "someday"

making cranky people smile

patterns that don't match but go together

hunting for the perfect red lipstick (that I've never found)

creme brulee

really white teeth

my husband's ability to tan in an hour

magazines in the mailbox

that my hair is finally growing

freshmint tic tacs

yellow striped pillows

fine point pens

the day pottery barn sends out magazines

an unplanned day

my freckles

you

What's on your love list right now?

Oh Baby!

2012-01-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

My niece is less than two months away from arriving! This will be my brother, Officer McJakey's, first baby so I'm a little bit (or a ton) excited. It's got me doing things like glittering elephants. He's having a girl, so my family started a name draft to guess the name. (Think "NFL draft," but on a tiny scale and with baby names rather than teams. Yes... this idea was invented by a man who loves sports.) Adrain spent an entire weekend getting movie tickets for the prize, making draft worksheets for us, and got a great big white board pad with tear off sheets so we could organize our picks. He put a ton of time and thought into it to make it fun. It ended up just being the four of us participating, but Adrain and I agreed if either of us win, we are giving Officer McJakey and Holli a night out at the movies (while we babysit the mini-hoodlum for them!) If my kids win, Jake and Holli are just out of luck.

His wife is one of my besties, and she's been giving me a lot of rope with the baby room decorating process. We have scoured pinterest and gazillions of sites, pulling all the little details together. Her colors are gray and white with pops of Tiffany blue/turquoise/aqua and pink of course! I have been working on her baby gift quite a bit this past month to have it ready for her baby shower. I'll be putting quite a few of the items I show here into my shop later this month too! I drew inspiration from all over the place, and nothing is very original to me but everything is incredibly cute!

I started with a metal bucket, and spray painted it "hammered metal" to make it look old and gray.

And then there is this doll. Ava named it "Emily" because she is naming everything Emily right now. The trick will be getting it away from Ava so I can give it in my gift. (I made her one too, but she loves them all.)

I found the pattern here at bitofwhimsydolls.com. I didn't embroider a face on the doll because I saw them faceless here and fell in love! I'll have four dolls in my shop, and they won't have faces... cause yeah... I can't embroider.

I had been saving a pretty, gray, french ribbon for years for something special... and I ended up using it for her little pigtails. I knew Holli would love the gray and white checked skirt, and decided to make the shirt from a soft flannel in a sweet vintage rose print. I couldn't resist.

I stamped sweet little tags with butterflies for the extra girly touch!

I made a couple of swaddling blankets with a flannel side and a cotton side because when my kids were babies there were never enough of these babies. This is usually a staple gift item when I go to a shower. I found the idea years ago from Martha Stewart, (Love her) but couldn't find the link for you.

I made burp cloths and bibs because you can't have a baby without these!

I've been making these bibs for years! (There will only be a couple in my shop.)

And my favorite thing..... a personal and fun thing....

I made these little onesies (and will be selling several of these in my shop) because my sis-in-law loves "Dirty Dancing." I have planned on making these for her for at least five years... I was just waiting for a baby! Printed in a soft gray using my favorite fonts, they are perfect!

Little sweetness, tucked in the front...

This didn't go into the baby shower bucket.... it was her first Christmas present from "Auntie Sasha." This verse always meant so much to me as a young mama, and I wanted to pass it along to my brother and his wife. (I actually had it scanned and will be selling prints (without the "Auntie Sasha" signature) in my Etsy shop as well.)

I just loved it so much... sweet little sheep. My man calls this the ransom note artwork. Isn't that a crack up? He's right too.... kinda looks like a ransom note!

And now, I'm off to a baby shower. I just had to share these with you before I left!

This and that with sneak peak photos

2012-01-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

I can hear the soft strains of Ella Fitzgerald in the background, crooning about Paris in the Springtime. A vanilla scented candle burns to my left because the faint traces of pool chlorine cling to my skin and hair, in spite of Dove's best efforts. A pile of old frames are stacked on my work table, waiting for chicken wire and chalkboards and I'm ignoring them... I'm attempting to carve out a haven of peace, because a realtor just jerked me around a little bit, calling to inquire about the best times for a showing today and then not calling me back, leaving me up in the air. It happens sometimes but it still always makes me mad. (I suppose I should repent for my critical spirit.)

Anyway, I've been working really hard this week creating stuff. New things and of course returning favorites.

I feel like I'm starting to see some progress after my month of doing nothing but painting, baking, taking pictures, and basking in twinkle light bokehs.

Also, and this has nothing to do with anything (not that it's ever stopped me before) but I'm kind of giddy because I've been wanting a pair of navy blue Toms for months, and I was surprised to find out that I had a wad of money sitting in my consignment store account. I took it out, and with a few rolled quarters I'd been saving up, I had enough to order them with my man's blessing. (I'm sure you all know this, but when you purchase a pair of Toms, they donate a pair of shoes to someone in need, and to be honest, I'm a total sucker for supporting that kind of thing.)

This morning, I got the exact (and I mean almost word for word) same message in two different devos, making this the third time in a week I've heard these words. Apparently, I'm rather thick-headed and need to hear it thrice. Same bible verse too... so I suppose this would be the answer to my prayers yesterday when I specifically whined all day to God, asking Him to "please show us what's next because I'm once again sick of waiting and it's driving me crazy and would He please just speak up already?!"

I cringingly admit that I was a little dramatic in my prayers, siting references like maps to uncharted territory and roads to nowhere, beacons of light and to make matters worse, I might have used a "tone" with Him too... It's a really good thing He's so fond of me. Anyway, I'm pasting a portion of that message below, because it's a reminder to myself.

"Someone once said that if God showed us every detail of our lives - all at one time - we would sit down and refuse to face another day. We were not created to be omniscient like God. He reveals our future to us in portions we can digest - like loving parents feeding their child only the type and amount of food that the child can handle." Mary Southerland

And of course there's this... the words that keep chasing me around and around in circles. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6.

I'm not overly fond of this verse. It's very counter to my personality.

Lastly, I just finished a painting I did for Ava's room. It's an Anthro-inspired pair of ruby slippers, complete with the words, "There's no place like home." I even painted some red glitter on the shoes! (Before I glittered it, I had it scanned so I can sell prints in my Etsy store.) It's so cute I can hardly stand it.

Thanks for the chat about random things...

What are you guys up to today?

Gluten free Brownie Pops that will make you drool

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Little, rounded, bites of desert on a stick are all the rage these days, as most of you know. Cake pops are even being sold at Starbucks. (Sadly... for those of us with gluten issues, we can't come to that party. However... it doesn't mean we can't make our own!) Ava and I are attending a baby shower (more on that to come in a couple of days, including the cutest gift ever.) and I get to bring brownie pops! My sister in law (the expectant mother) made this request of me, after we made them a few years ago. I showed a Christmasy version of them here. (And Holli, after scanning through that post, we are definitely doing that weekend again next December!)

You can begin with any brownie recipe, but I'll be honest, I've come up with the best chocolate almond gluten free brownie recipe on the planet. Take my word for it, it's gooey and fudgy, and has a hint of almond flavoring that pairs nicely with the almond flour. You can serve it to anyone whether they eat gluten free or not, and it's always good. After brownies are cool, take a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop, and use it to make some balls of brownie. Heh, heh... balls of brownie. (Sorry. I'm 13 years old inside.) You may need to use clean hands to shape them so they are perfectly round. (By the way, the rainy season is officially here, and darkness has descended upon the Pacific Northwest so I literally had to take all my food shots in a window sill. I mean seriously, that's ridiculous!)

Next, gently press a cake pop stick into the center. Chill on a cookie sheet, in the freezer just until firm.

Once firm, remove from your freezer and roll in melted chocolate. It's quite possible that many world problems could be solved by that phrase right there.

You can drizzle another color of chocolate over the top to cover the area around the stick and even decorate with sprinkles if you want. Then slip into pretty mini cupcake liners (Mine are from Michaels).

Sasha's Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Brownies:
1 cup room temp butter
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp almond extract
4 eggs
1 cup almond flour
2/3 cups cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
*Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla and almond extracts, and eggs. Beat until mixed and creamy. Add remaining dry ingredients and blend until well mixed. Spread in greased 9x13 baking pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Die and go to Heaven.

What's your favorite thing at a baby shower?

Yes

2012-01-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

I could hear her clomping up the front stairs, one roller skate at a time. Then the careful shuffling to my front door as she tried not to roll backward off the steps. I knew she'd be coat-less or just carrying her coat under her arm too. No matter how many times I told that child that it was 35 degrees and she needed to get her coat on, she didn't listen. With no mother at home, she wasn't used to taking orders from women. I sighed as I slid the pans into the sink full of sudsy water. Rolling my eyes to the left, I checked the time. "Just great," I muttered. It was 11:45 in the morning... "just in time for lunch," I thought with irritation, as the doorbell rang. "Well at least it's not 7:30 am like the other day." Kids and dogs were racing to the door calling, "Mom, it's Ellison, (not her real name) can she play?"

I stood there mentally listing off the dozens of reasons why it wasn't my favorite idea. She always came around mealtimes. I knew it was because she probably never got very good meals at home. She always stayed until I sent her home. I knew that was because she probably wanted to be anywhere but home. She always asked for stuff- toys, food, items laying on the counter. I wasn't sure I had enough to feed her since I hadn't hit the grocery store yet, and she always ate a lot! That was on my list of things to do today, along with about ten other items. Christmas was days away and I had too much to do.

And then He whispered softly, almost audibly. "Yes."

"Hold on a minute here," I complained "I have stuff to do!" He ignored my list of stuff and whispered it once again, right into the bull's eye of my heart. "Yes. Just say yes to Me. This is my mission field for you right this minute. Won't you say yes to it?"

Stunned, I stood for just a second, thinking. Then I flung the dishes back into the sink and reached for a towel to dry my hands with, and gave my assent to the three little faces at my front door. Instead of irritation, I felt peace sweep over me and His smile settled upon my shoulders. I was, after all, going for the 'good and faithful servant bit,' you know.

As I sat across from her at the kitchen table over lunch, eyeing the bangs she'd recently cut off at her hairline, I knew my word for the coming year. This inconvenient, messy, irritating YES. This was the second time in a week that this had happened. God had placed a broken, hurting, needing vessel in my path and asked me if I was going to do anything.

I wondered why I fight Him so often, and then I realized, it's because when it gets in my way, or shuffles my freedom, or my plans, or disrupts my life, I want to ignore it. There's a whole lot of my's and I's in there! But what have this past year and a half have been about for my entire family? Reaching outside of ourselves, and extending whatever hand of love we can? 2011 held a lot of events for us and in the sum total weren't overly pleasant to our way of thinking. We thought a lot of things were going to go one way.... but none of them did. In fact, they went the opposite way.

Instead of curling up in bitter disappointment, we resolved as a family to not let that change what we knew in our hearts was our calling. Our mission field is all around us. All we have to do is say YES. This doesn't mean that I have to say yes to everything under the sun and burn myself out by St. Patrick's day. What it means for me, is that my tendency is to always say no first... but just because something isn't my plan or convenient or fun, doesn't mean God intends for me to say no. Because it's not about me. My mission field as a mama, is a city full of hurts and needs... some of them wrapped in shivering eight year old's on roller skates, with noses pressed against my front door window, all hoping someone will say YES. And that's my reminder this year. Yes.

Do you have some area of life begging for change, that can be bottled up into one word? Last year my word was BE. I needed to quit worrying about the tomorrows and give God my today's.... just BE.

What is your word for 2012?

(Do you want a small, painted reminder like mine? I'm making some tiny canvas reminders (some square for small words, some longer for big words) for $15.00 each plus $3.00 s/h. If you want one, let me know by emailing me at lemonademakinmama@comcast.net. Let me know your word, and I'll put you on my wait order list. I won't be able to get to them for at least a week. Fonts and sizes may vary. )

December 365

2011-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

The final month of my 2011 "365 photo project" is complete!! Yay! One photograph a day, for 365 days. Whew! I'm ready to begin my 2012 project. I love reviewing the chunk of days at the end of the month. I love looking back over the year and actually remembering each and every day. I love being able to remember photographs that had meaning... and some that didn't because it was 5:00 and I just needed something for the day so I photographed my water bottle or my dinner. I love bringing my camera with me everywhere I go even though it makes my purse really heavy and might be causing me chronic back problems that have nothing to do with my newly diagnosed arthritis. I love bringing you along with me... so here's to the end of one year, and the start of another....

I love finding the perfect shade of lipstick. Ordinarily, I'm a lip gloss kind of girl, but the other day I happened to stumble into the grocery store looking for a few items, and found this frosty pinkish color. Well, fell in love with it, is more like what happened. The shade is Revlon's "Satin Plum" and it's the perfect wintry pink color.

Sitting on the couch at night, snuggled up with my man watching the movie, "A Shine of Rainbows," realizing that I never picked up my camera once all day (which is uncharacteristically odd) but the glow of lights drew me in, and the perfect photo op was born. (This is also another way to say that basically I was too lazy to do anything but photograph the view from where I was sitting.)

I love listening to my kids take turns reading our morning devotional book. I love messy morning hair, wayward bowls of half-eaten cereal, cozy pajamas, and sunshine streaming through our east windows.

It is a well known fact, that I love babies and almost always want another. Or twelve. I'm all done having them... but it doesn't take the want-more out of me. I love their tiny newness. I love their noises and stretches. I love their downy heads bumping into my chin. One thing I love the most.... is their yawns. So incredibly adorable. These sweet little feet in my hand belong to the baby of my girlfriend Amy, who happens to be a professional photographer. She snapped this photo on my camera, so I thought I'd toss this in as a guest appearance in my 365's.

I love times of quiet with Jesus. I also love Isaiah 61:1. I think I might paint it onto a subway art-ish board. I believe it's my mission in life. I believe it's your mission in life as well. It's the kind of mission we should be obsessing about.

I love this boy. I love his dimples. I do not love the fact that he located some very old (and rotten grapes) in his bedroom recently.

I love fun. I love food. I love fun food.

I love fresh greens. I love old wood. I love twinkly lights in the background.

I love aqua glitter. I love little metal houses for four dollars. I love making a mess. I love being covered in sparkles the rest of the day.

I love my little moleskine journal. I love sitting on the couch next to my baby girl, a bucket of sharpened colored pencils between us, consulting one another about our drawings.

I love my big framed "MERRY" artwork, my chippy supply cupboard, and tiny boxwood wreath tied with a red velvet ribbon.

I love holiday stamps. I love having all of my Christmas cards ready for mailing. I love checking the mail in December.

I love my baby girl. I love her creativity.

I love that my friend Amy let me come and play with her newborn while she photographed him. I love babies with santa hats and fluffy white blankets. I love that I got to put Amy's Christmas tree lights on her tree for her. I love my friends.

I love waking up to new blooms. I love how that feels like a promise for the day.

I love indulging in a little silly-ness with my daughter who was aghast that our sketching dummy is naked all the time. I love that we came up with a skirt for it and a bow for it's neck. I love that we laughed and laughed as we posed it.

I love baking. I love baking with my kids. I love it when something turns out yummy and cute.

I love delivering goodies to friends and neighbors. I love having my hoodlums home with me. I love them even more when they aren't fighting. Ha!

I love my big chicken wire frame. I love hanging it up for Christmas cards. I love it when people stop to look at all the fun photos hanging. I love memories that spring up as I see faces of long lost friends and family.

I love trying. I don't always get it right.... but I know the goal. I love that early morning light, when the promise of a fresh day with no mistakes awaits.

I love that my man has always called me his "beautiful bride." I love that I know he will always call me this. I love that he does it even when it's not exactly true! I love his love for me. I also love that he got me this gift....when I specifically told him not to get me anything... he shouldn't have... but it was sweet that he did.

I love watching my kiddos play and have fun. I love watching the excitement and anticipation build.

If ever there was love in a photo... this was that photo. I invited pretty much everyone I knew to our church's candlelight Christmas Eve service. I was standing on the end, with my man next to me, then one of my sis-in-laws, her man, my mom-in-law, my parents, my hoodlums, and in front of our row, was my uncle and aunt, two of my cousins, their significant others, and a whole passel of little ones. I stood there singing Silent Night, looking down a candle lit row of faces I love with all my heart. (And I was also really happy that my mama kept my son from accidentally lighting my uncle on fire with his candle. Bwahahaha!)

I love this photo... out of all the photos I took during our day, this was the best because the chaos had just ended... so real life. (And um yeah I did use a bunch of free postal boxes... but don't worry, I reuse them all for my Etsy shipping!)

House all clean, decorations put away. Love that. A man who always knows what to say when I'm hurting, love that! Time with family, love that too!

I love sweeping out the junk and cleaning up the mess. Tree gone, decorations boxed up, and moving forward with life. Grasping the tails of the joy that was momentarily stolen. Brighter days ahead, I just know it. Love that.

Family movie day together, thanks to Christmas gifts from grandparents. I love my husband and my kids and I love spending time with just them after lots of holiday extended family togetherness. Ha!

There might not be anything sexier than a man with a dishtowel over his shoulder as he scrubs dishes. I love my man.

I love that my brother and husband went bowling with my hoodlums and then played some Wii games with them while my sis-in-law and I hit Ikea and then worked on her baby's room! I love days with them so much and wish I lived closer so we could do it more.

And like closing the cover on a book... today we close out the last day on a year we are happy to be finished with. I can't say I've loved every minute of this year... but I've learned a lot and I've loved some of the moments during the process. I think I'll leave it at that. And I hope... and pray... and hope again that our home sells (for real) this year, and we can have at least a taste of what it must feel like to be settled both in home and heart. I hear that's a really wonderful feeling...

May 2012 be a year of new beginnings for all of us! Happy New Year friends.

Feeling tweaky (in a good way)

2011-12-28T19:41:00.000-08:00

I honestly have to fight the urge to take the tree down on the night of Christmas, once the kiddos are tucked into bed. (Please tell me we can still be friends?) Just to be clear, I have NEVER acted on that urge...I'm just saying, that as soon as the holiDAY begins winding to a close, I always feel ready to get the house cleaned, and put back together! This year was no different, and our tree was extra droopy and crunchy. (Y'all may remember that I chose the most pathetic tree on the lot, and left myself open to a ton of ridicule because of it's general wimpy-ness. It barely made it to Christmas morning.)

On the 26th, I began winding lights around cardboard and packing things away. Oh it felt so good... Our home has been on the market about two months now, so it felt right with the world to get it back in order, in anticipation of selling! (hopefully maybe)

Previously, we had a rocking chair and side table sitting against this wall. When we put our tree up, I moved our rocking chair into Ava's room, and the side table into my room. I decided to leave them there, opening up our living room for future showings. But the wall where our Christmas tree had been needed a light or something... After thinking about it for a few days, I decided to move this little console table here and stock it with family games. Though I have loved it in the dining area, I am really happy with the change and the best part, is that it doesn't take up a ton of space, so the room still feels open.

I found this old, chippy, blue box in one of my favorite stores a few months ago. It was used for spare radio parts but is perfect for playing cards and smaller hand-held games. Also, I have a little bit of a thing for boxes. I don't know why... but I just love them!

It's already gotten more use than it ever did when it was in my dining room.

This tiny canvas had to go here too... "Yes" is my word for 2012. I promise to talk more about this in January, but I'm so excited because I really feel like God gave me this word. Do you have a word for the year too? Something that you are working on, or stretching for, or making your mission? (Wait, don't tell me... we can talk about it in my upcoming post okay?! Be thinking about it though, cause I'll promise to ask you again!)

I filled an old wooden bowl with some sand and tossed in all my white pillars. It felt simple and clean and that's just what I was looking for as I continued to sweep pine needles throughout my entire house. (And seriously, HOW do they get in the bathroom? How? I ask you.)

This spot is a little bare now... but it also opens up the area just a bit more and apparently space is important to people looking at prospective homes. I must give the people what they want. (Sadly, most of them don't want 1500 square feet.... but that's a job for God not me.) I have no idea what to put on my chalkboard right now, so I think I'm going to leave the "Hallelujah" up a bit longer cause I just love it.

I don't know about you but sometimes doing a little bit of tweaking... moving something from one room to another (even if it was never intended for that room) is totally refreshing.

When do you begin taking your Christmas decorations down?

Wordless Christmas, cruising into Silent Night

2011-12-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

Peace On Earth, to me... what I'm doing to prepare for Christmas...

2011-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm a lover of nature, and there's something inside me that craves being outside in it, nearly every single day. Sun, rain, wind, or snow, I love it all. I have brought my hoodlums out with me since they were a week old, and they love being out-of-doors, walking, and hiking and camping as much as my man and I do. I brought my camera along with us today as we went on one of our favorite trails, and wanted to share my slice of Peace On Earth, accompanied by a favorite Psalm, with you. May it feed your soul as it always does mine.

Merry CHRISTmas and I'll see you again next week!

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet;

all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim in the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8.

Sugar Highs and Joy busters

2011-12-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

Is it okay with you guys if I pack a bunch into this post, which may indeed be my final post before Christmas? (Unless of course, I think of something I need to say between now and then.) I wanted to share some favorite holiday recipes with you, but I also had some stories and encouragement, and who couldn't use that this time of year, right?

Every year, we put on some Christmas music, bundle up, and pile into the car. Then we drive through a retirement community that never disappoints in the Christmas light department. Adrain drives slowly through, and the children plaster their noses against car windows, craning to see every lit up Nativity and reindeer cutout. It takes all of about seven minutes from beginning to end, but of course to the children, it may as well be hours. I love that.

Anyway, as you drive in, there's a sign asking you to please use your parking lights to better enjoy the scene. Last night, we were in my car, and if you turn off my lights in the dark, some sort of internal sensor flicks on the entire headlight in a low-beam, rather than a parking light. As we drove around the loop, the car in front of us kept pointing flashlights all over. We assumed it was some children goofing around and didn't think much of it. That is, until they stopped and the man got out and approached our happy little car. He angrily yelled at my husband, telling him how rude he was to leave his lights on, etc. My husband apologized sincerely and tried explaining about our parking lights but the man just got angrier and it wasn't going to be good, so Adrain wished him a Merry Christmas and we turned around and left, our party a little deflated. Sitting in the stunned silence that filled our car, it didn't take long to realize that this man was clearly upset about something or someone bigger than our low beam headlights in a neighborhood. We ended the night laughing and even feeling a bit of pity for the guy (and his wife). But it got me thinking about how many joy-stealers are out there this time of year. People stressed about family, people stressed about money, people stressed about drama, people stressed about a million other tiny things, and how good it is to rise above the hurt they direct at you, forgive, and be gracious to them in response. They probably need it, and in doing good to them, you get a little piece of joy they can't bust. The alternative is to internalize it, take it personally, and let it yank you away from all the good moments you were meant to have.

Anyway, this is my first gluten free Christmas... I am 70% confident that my goodies are yummy. These are Ginger Crinkles. (Made gluten free by the substitution of thai rice flour.) I don't like gingerbread type cookies, but my mom in law does, so I made them with her in mind. Everyone says they are yummy. I'll have to take their word on that.

These are Chocolate Mint Thumbprints. I converted this recipe to be gluten free by using thai rice flour and adding 1/2 tsp xanthan gum, and it IS yummy. I love the combination of mint and chocolate.

It doesn't get any easier than Candy Cane Hearts. Melted white chocolate or candy melts piped in between two candy canes, and then crushed candy cane sprinkled on top. Yum!

Fudge. From the back of the marshmallow cream jar. This batch didn't look pretty but it sure tastes good! I used darker chocolate chips than I normally use (that's supposed to be healthier, right?) and tried to swirl a little of the leftover marshmallow cream on top. It didn't really work, but then I was also distracted by the many hands helping me and trying to keep hot things away from those hands, and keep one helper from accidentally putting 1/4 c of salt into the spritz cookie mix instead of 1/4 tsp. A girl can only do so much and sometimes ugly fudge is the result.

These are monster cookies. I know some gluten intolerant peeps can't have gluten free oats. (The jury is still out for Ava and I on this one.) But if you CAN have oats... gluten free or otherwise, make these! I always forget how many cookies this makes. Dozens upon dozens.

Monster Cookies:

6 eggs

2 1/2c brown sugar

2 c sugar

1/2 tbsp vanilla

1/2 tbsp corn syrup

4 tsp soda

2 sticks butter

3 cups peanut butter

9 cups (gluten free) oats

bag chocolate chips

bag m&m's

Mix as usual, use ice cream scoop to place dough onto baking sheets and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

So fun to give away!

I tucked a little card into each box letting them know what they were eating. (That way people who don't like ginger cookies won't be taken un-awares.)

In closing I'd just like to say, that as we all deal with family and stressed out shoppers and situations beyond our control this next week, let's keep these words of wisdom from Proverbs in the forefront of our minds. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

Merry Christmas you guys. I love you all so much! Have a great week!

All that glitters...

2011-12-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

My hoodlums are home on Christmas break now. I'm so happeeeeee! Anyway, we've got lots of things planned, but we started with glittery snow globes. (Or as I like to call them, faux globes.) They were easy, fun and cheap. Three of my favorite things.

I cleaned out our recycling bin before garbage day came, and rescued things like olive and pickle jars. I scrubbed them good, removing labels, and then hit all the lids with white spray paint.

I found some tiny bottle brush trees in a big clearanced multi-pack at Michaels, near the Christmas Village items. I found tiny animals in other packs too.

Once home, I sprayed everything down with Elmer's glue spray and then busted out my Martha Stewart glitter pack, and doused everything in pretty, coordinating glitter. I'll be wearing glitter for days now. But 'tis the season, right?

Once that was done, the kiddos and I decided what was going into each jar, and I hot glued everything to the lids. I would have taken a photo for you, but I was busy trying not to burn myself with hot glue. Hot glue and I go wayyyy back.

We filled all our jars with a few spoonfuls of faux snow (You know, the plastic, flammable stuff? Yeah. Good stuff.) and some sprinkles of glitter. Some people in my household (JJ) got a little heavy handed with the glitter. Like I didn't see that coming, right? You do a project with kids...

Then (enter, "Smart Mama") I hot glued the lids to the jars. Cause you know.... I'm going to have little people in my home over the next week, and I want them to be able to shake these things and have fun with them.

Maybe we should call them "fun globes." (And will someone please clip my children's fingernails? I swear... do these children not have a mother?)

Here they are.... our fun globes... filled with huge quantities of glitter... and reeking ever so slightly of pickle... Good times for all.

What does your weekend hold?

Taking time...

2011-12-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's ten days til Christmas... and as I waited in line at the post office, I mentally checked off all the things I'd finished, and tried to line up everything still needing to be done. All my big chores and shopping tasks are done, but I've saved some of the fun (or stressful, given the circumstances sometimes) little things like baking and kid crafts for next week when the hoodlums are off school with me. It occurred to me that I've got ten days to make sure I keep CHRIST in Christmas. (And ten days to put up with "Come on ring those bells," on the radio.) I don't want Him to get lost amid the hurry and scurry. How are you doing with that? If you feel like you're struggling with joy, peace, and keeping HIM front and center... I wanted to pass His words to you right now, since they encouraged me. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Did anyone else just breathe for the first time in two weeks, along with me? To be honest, I feel like the only way that rest happens for me is when I come to Him first thing in the morning... and for me, it's often only 15 minutes at best. I used to feel loads of guilt about this because so many godly women devote far more time, (and sometimes I am able to do that too of course...like in the middle of the afternoon when normal people are functioning ) but I'm not a morning person at all, so it's always been a struggle. I think it's funny when I ask God to wake me up if He wants to spend time with me... He always does. And I'm being totally honest here... I mumble into my pillow things like, "Fine... just give me five more minutes..." And guess what? Five minutes later, I'm wide awake. I tell you, God is the best alarm clock on the planet. I can almost picture Him sitting on the edge of my bed watching the clock, so anxious He is to spend time with me. Isn't that a precious thought? My whole day swims into focus before my eyes when I lay my burdens at His feet, each morning. Especially during these busy days. Do what works for you, and don't feel guilty if it's two minutes of prayer while you brush your teeth. Just come to Him and He will give you rest. He promises.

And.... take time for you. Something I've neglected for far too long, is painting for the joy of it. Taking December off from Etsy creating has been spectacular. Not only have I been mentally present for my family (which was my purpose) but I've also had spare time for some of my neglected hobbies. I found this adorable bus on Pinterest and knew at once I had to paint it!

I painted it exactly like the photo... that little creative outlet that was just for my heart, seeped into my bones and I feel revived. I can't explain it any better than that... but if you have something that energizes and revives you, carve out some time for it in the next two weeks! See what it does for your heart.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

The randomness of December Tuesday afternoons.

2011-12-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hey friends. I've completely given up apologizing for the many random posts I create, along with the pointless talk that streams from my mouth. It is, what it is.

And I do hope that randomness is somehow enjoyable. Bwahahaha!

Okay, so first up... lets talk about resolutions, (which will be here in just a few weeks) healthy eating, accountability, etc. If there's a chance that you are looking for that, but want to join a group for accountability sake, blah, blah, blah and want it to be free... you can join ME doing the Daily Burn. Just go to their website and create a free account, and invite me (Sasha Brodeur) to be one of your motivators. I promise to motivate you if you motivate me! You can even spy on me to see what I'm eating and if I'm drinking my water and working out! I may do the same to you. Thus... the motivation, you see?

I need a baby. Or a million babies. Gosh I just love babies.

I have a whole rash of friends and family having them... so consequently I'm dreaming about them, longing for them, thinking about them, and pretty much mush whenever I'm near one. This is my friend Amy's baby. He's so yummy!

Speaking of babies... mine are growing up and creating a LOT of school papers. In January I'm going to be listing something really fun in my Etsy shop, for those of you who want to organize the chaos once and for all! (I make no guarantees it will organize every area of your life... but it will help with the school papers anyway.)

I've been getting a lot of questions on photographing a Christmas tree bokeh. Um... yeah... not an expert here guys. But I'll tell you what... I'll give my settings for the following photos for you to play and experiment with! So the smaller the F-stop number, the bigger the round lights in your bokeh. I was shooting on a very gray day with my 50mm lens. Shutter speed was set to 1/50, F-stop was set at 3.2 and because it was so stinking dark inside my ISO was all the way up to 1600 for this shot. (Not my favorite, but I wanted to get a photo into this post.)

Don't you think jingle bells make the most darling candle and vase filler??

And speaking of darling things... paper whites. Oh love love love. Always have, always will. Every year I swear I'm going to start some bulbs in random bowls and dishes on Halloween, doing one each week so I have blooms throughout December... but I never do. My grocery store did though! Hallelujah!

I thought these would make fun teacher gifts too, so I bought a couple extra pots just beginning to bloom, wrapped them in brown paper, tied them with twine, and had my children attach some sweet tags with "Thank you for helping me learn and grow."

Now I'm off to learn how to make 3-D snowflakes with my son!! I've always wanted to know how to do this. We're going to hang them in our windows and pray for a White Christmas!!

What are you guys up to this week?

Prettyish

2011-12-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have nothing deep and thought provoking for you today. Um... as opposed to the millions of other days when all I post is hard-hitting journalistic material.

(Well, maybe except for the fact that Adrain dragged us all out of bed at the butt crack of dawn this morning so we could go see the Lunar eclipse. I discovered that my hoodlums ask entirely too many questions requiring an intelligent response at 5:00 in the morning. Now I'm brain-dead and will be, for the entirely of this day....I'm not exactly a morning person.)

Anyway, I gravitate toward uncluttered, non-fussy and traditional styles most of the time. Except when I like colorful, whimsical, or eclectic things.

I know. I'm a mystery.

I had a bunch of pine cones in this old wooden tool caddy that I found while perusing an antique mall with my friend Kristin a few months ago. It was kind of boring me. Just a tad. So, on a whim, I tucked some cedar and juniper sprigs into it and now I'm madly in love with it. Who knew that's all it would take! Tiny tweaking... fresh greenery... lovely.

And that's what I came here to share with you today. Pretty pictures.

Happy Weekend... what's everyone doing this weekend? Did anyone else see the Lunar eclipse? Isn't it amazing God made that? The moon was covered with fog and clouds last night when we first set out, and my sweet son bowed his little head and prayed that God would let us see it, and that very second, the clouds moved and the sky cleared... like crystal clear... and we had the sense that He loves it when He gets to show off His handiwork. It was a fun moment. Even though I was half-asleep, that is.