My Very Educated Mother

Resolutions Revisited

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

In an effort to hold myself accountable I thought I’d take a quick moment at the beginning of each month to revisit my resolutions for the year and see how things are going.

Bacon Maple Cupcakes

2012-01-29T14:37:00.001-06:00

Meet my new best friend, Bacon Maple Cupcake. I don’t know if it was the bacon or the maple but this is one scrumptious delight that will become a regular around this house. Okay, okay I’ll tell you how to make your own.

*This really doesn’t have anything to do with this cupcake but have you noticed an abundance of really great baking recipes around the web lately? I have…I wonder if it’s just the season or if our resolutions to lose weight have us thinking about food more than usual. Incidentally that is a idea suggested in Why Women Need Fat.

On to the recipe!

Filling in the Squares

2012-01-27T21:59:00.001-06:00

It’s Friday night, the kids are downstairs with Nate watching a movie and I’m sitting at the computer reading and filling in the squares of my calendar with submission deadlines. I may have given up on my NaBloPoMo plans for the month but that’s only because I’ve got bigger plans in the works.

Tattoo Time

2012-01-22T18:46:00.000-06:00

My kids like fake tattoos and because they’re usually a whopping $1 a package so we indulge them. The problem is they come in these horrible enveloped packages that I usually rip trying to open. We’d consolidate, fold them over best we could, clip them with a refrigerator magnet and there they would hang.

So the other day when the kids begged for a tattoo I thought there’s got to be a better way. I hit my resource box (i.e. The box of packages I won’t let my husband recycle on the off chance I might be able to make something with them.) and found the brie container from this recipe I shared a few weeks back. Then I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I could get this to stick to the refrigerator and hide all the ugly tattoos inside it?

We’re Selling Our House

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

We’ve been toying around with the idea of putting our house on the market and finding something bigger for quite some time now. Like anything else there’s always something coming up, something to wait for, but this time we made the call and now our house is listed. Which means all the painting we’ve been putting off has and is happening now! It also means that the two Mod Podge and paint projects I’ve been working on are currently on hold. But here shortly…hopefully next week, I’ll be sharing them with you!

Oh, and I have to figure out how to clean that darn flat-top range.

What Is SOPA and Why Should I Care?

2012-01-18T09:01:00.001-06:00

I admit it, I’m not up on as many things as I should be. What can I say, I don’t have children catching the bus at 6:30 a.m. anymore so I’m not getting my two hours of Morning Edition. Still I did catch a couple of stories yesterday about SOPA. Most of them seemed more about Wiki’s blackout than what SOPA actually was and why I needed to care about it. But my interest was peaked. I don’t think I could properly explain things so instead here are a few links of interest.

BlogHer will be providing updates throughout the day.

The Truth About SOPA: How the Corporate Lobby's Argument Doesn't Add Up

SOPA vs.. PIPA: Anti-piracy bills, uproar explained

Chocolate Cherry Dr. Pepper Cupcakes

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

I’ve been a bad NaBloPoMo blogger, please accept my forgiveness in the form of this Valentine’s Day inspired cupcake. Okay, it was also inspired by a big ole 12 pack of soda in my fridge. You can always tell when Nate has had a four-day weekend by the soda in the fridge and the chips in the pantry.

Every Crafter’s #1 Resource

2012-01-13T09:00:00.001-06:00

Two yards each of wonderfully patterned fabric that will become pajama pants and shorts for myself and daughter.

Thrift stores and resource centers aren’t just about clothes and the bits and pieces of toys no one wants. Where do you think all of us overzealous crafters take our stashes when they become too much? The Good Samaritan!

When we’ve grown tired of our decor and what a change where do we take the baskets and swags we know, “Someone will want.” The Good Samaritan!

Not everyone has an eye for transformation and when the drawer knob breaks on that coffee table, where do you think they take it? The Good Samaritan!

I could go on and on like this but instead here are a few of my most recent fabulous finds and a secret about the best day to head out to find the good stuff!
Read more »

Book Review: Why Women Need Fat

2012-01-12T01:17:00.001-06:00

Like every other American women I have one revolving resolution and unchecked goal on my to-do list; get healthy and lose weight. But unlike millions of others who may lose momentum and become discouraged, I’m approaching these lifestyle changes with a validated mind and spirit after reading Why Women Need Fat by William D. Lassak, M.D. and Steven J.C. Gaulin, Ph.D.. Using both medical and sociological studies, to examine the history behind the great American obesity epidemic, the authors lay out facts and observations that speak to our common sense.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:04:00.001-06:00

I’m trying to be a good NaBloPoMo participant, so today I’m going the wordless route and sharing a few photos from this past holiday season.

A House on Fire

2012-01-10T00:49:00.001-06:00

This week has started off crazy, between unexpected dental upsets (thankfully not mine) and rare opportunities (should I plan a trip to Chicago to see the Rosie Show?) I’m not prepared to write about what my ‘well-planned’ editorial calendar has lined out for me. So….The NaBloPoMo writing prompt to the rescue!

What is my earliest memory?

Because a list is always more fun, here are my three earliest memories!

Recycling Crayons

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

I can’t even begin to find links to the number of posts I’ve seen about making crayons with the little bits and pieces that seem to multiply like rabbits in our crayon bowls and boxes. I wish I would have though, because there might have been a step or two that would have made mine turn out better.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re crayons, they write, they’re shaped like hearts-Valentine’s Day is coming up, and most importantly the kids loved making them and enjoy using them! But there was a definite learning curve. Want to give it a try?

Apple and Brie Turnovers

2012-01-08T10:38:00.002-06:00

Last night we had some friends over and in my drug-induced mania I played supreme hostess and made these apple and brie turnovers. Isn’t it funny how it only takes adding the name of a ‘fancy’ ingredient to make something sound like it’s really special? Anyhow, here’s the quick recipe with a note on how to make yours even better.
Read more »

Basic Scone Recipe with a Cinnamon Twist

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I’ve posted this recipe before but here it is one last time, with a cinnamon twist. I couldn’t resist the Cinnamon M&M’s as they called to me from the clearance aisle. Surely they would be good in a scone right? Well, as the picture above shows, they weren’t really made for baking, so it wasn’t pretty. However, they were delicious thanks in part to the spectacular cinnamon glaze I threw together.

What We Got

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, nothing with a pulse, we couldn’t find what we wanted so we’re putting that on hold for now. Plus we were able to talk Teagan into a television instead of a pet rat. A little girl did get her ears pierced. We’ve got video below. She’s so much stronger than the boys, they watched in horror and awe as she had no reaction. Despite all the bags (that also hold light bulbs and shampoo) this really was a modest trip, let’s face it once a thrifter, always a thrifter, but everyone had a good time and that’s what it was really about!

A Hurrah for Uncle Tom

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

It’s been a little over a year since Nate’s brother Tom passed away and mere weeks since the probate has been settled. This hasn’t been an easy time for Nate and I’m so glad that we can finally get past the paperwork of it all and really remember Tom.

Nate’s First Accident

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

As I’ve mentioned before, this month I’m taking part in the BlogHer’s January NaBloPoMo. These daily posts of mine were supposed to fall into the ‘crafting’ category and next week I hope that they will, but until then, here’s a funny little story.

Remember yesterday’s post about finally getting a diagnosis for this pain I’ve been having? Well that wasn’t the only ‘excitement’ for the day. After the dentist visit, in the morning, I went to Wal-Mart to fill one of my prescriptions.

Okay, you might want to sit down for this…it took the Wal-Mart pharmacy less than 15 minutes to fill my prescription. Expecting a 30+ minute wait I’d gone back out to my car. In my excitement, and speculation that they’d in fact sent the text to the wrong person, I grabbed my purse, shoved my phone in it, and headed back in to pick up those painkillers; locking my keys inside.

No problem, my dear husband Nate had already offered to take me to lunch so we just added a trip out to our house to get the spare set. The kids were cool, the babysitter (Papa Chuck) was cool, so we grabbed the keys and headed back out.

Nate isn’t used to having ‘other’ vehicles in the driveway.

We were backing up and then he stopped, I thought he was just switching gears and getting ready to go.

I was wrong.

When I turned around I saw Charles’ van literally inches from the truck.

“Wow, you really got close, you should be more careful.”

Nate didn’t say anything. He got out of the truck, looked at the bumper, and then heading back into the house.

Meanwhile I sat in the truck thinking, “Good gravy, do you really need to go get Charles just to show him how close you were to hitting him?”

I bet you’ve already figured it out but when the two of them where standing out there looking at the damage, I still hadn’t gotten it.

I finally yelled to Charles from the cab, “He got close, huh?” in the hopes of wrapping this up and getting on the road.

“Yeah, I hit him!” Nate laughed.

“But I didn’t even feel it?” I said in complete astonishment.

I don’t think we’re going to be getting Cash back on our insurance policy this year.

Technorati Tags: BlogHer’s January NaBloPoMo,car accidents,accidents,absent-mindedness,dents

Trigeminal Neuralgia

2012-01-03T19:12:00.001-06:00

If you follow me on Facebook you might remember my ~~whining like a baby~~ complaining about a toothache on Christmas Eve. Well after a very intense week, a tooth extraction, and a few other dentist appointments I was still in excruciating, ‘Where am I? Who am I?’ pain. It’s been hard for me to get anything done and there’s just so much I’m wanting and excited about doing!

Doodles

2012-01-02T16:48:00.001-06:00

In keeping with my “Art” resolution, I started an online class last night. Doodles Unleashed: Mixed Media Techniques is an online class being taught by Traci Bautista as the first workshop in the

Strathmore 2012 Online Workshop Series. (P.S. It’s free and you can still sign up!)

I hadn’t planned on working on anything just yet and I haven’t even gotten my supplies together. However, there’s something about watching someone doodle that makes me want to do the same. So I drug out the markers and some scrap paper to doodle the image above while watching Traci play with plastic canvas, India ink, and White-Out pens.

New Year’s Resolutions

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

2011 was a whirlwind of a year and I hope 2012 is just as exciting! To get myself on the right path I’ve made my New Year’s resolutions. Sure, there are those anti-resolution folk, who claim we’re setting ourselves up for failure or ask why resolve to do the same ole things year after year. I don’t think they get it. Why would you ever tell someone that it’s not worth making a change? Striving for more? Wanting something better?

A new year’s resolution is an acknowledgement of a new beginning; another chance to clean the slate and start anew. Sure, I may falter throughout the year but that doesn’t diminish the occasion. A setback now and then is not an excuse to abandon my goals, it’s just an opportunity to re-evaluate and strategize.

This year I have big goals and big dreams and while I write this, listening to songs from my youth, I’m even more inspired to make each one come true!

1. Lose Weight – I know this one’s pretty generic but here’s the story. Lately, I just can’t get excited about clothes shopping and that’s just sad. So, for the umpteenth time I’m giving myself a year to lose an undisclosed amount of weight. If I falter on this one I’ll be enforcing a penalty for the first time. I have to give up all the ‘cute’ clothes from my past taking up a very large portion of my closet space. I might have to do a little show and tell of what I’d be giving away to explain the enormity of this penalty.

2. Make three quilts – One for each of my children, and like my children I want each one to be an individual creation by me (with suggestions from Nate of course). Don’t worry I’ll share it all with you when the time comes.

3. FOOD - Can and freeze enough food to fill my freezer and pantry. Last year I started out with good intentions and then all my bean plants went to pot (not literally), the tomatoes never really produced and like I’ve shared before, I don’t like okra. Having home grown food, free of chemicals and all other processed perversions is important to me and I’m making it a priority starting now.

4. Blog Re-design – I’ve been toying around with things here and there but I really want to create my dream layout. Prepare for changes throughout the year before I settle into something permanent.

5. Home redo – My husband and I have decided to try to sell our house this year. We really want something bigger with more land. We had thought about moving to a college town close by but the more we look we may stay within a 30 mile vicinity.

6. Homeschooling – This first semester has been more satisfying than I thought possible, I really want to get off my lazy haunches, step up our curriculum, and add in a foreign language. We also need to upgrade our science plans and I’m going to start working on a local geography program that I’ll be sharing here and there. It’s nice to live a state whose motto is “Show Me.”

7. Art – I want Art to become more infused in our lives with more projects that include the entire family, trips, classes, lessons, you name it. Not only will I be sharing our own projects but I also hope to use this blog to showcase (living) artists I admire.

8. Getting Published – It’s no secret that at the heart of me is a writer. I haven’t made it a priority for some time now but the fire has been rekindled and I want this…bad. The only way I know to really work on getting published is to get back into the habit of writing all the time. That’s where you come in, my unsuspecting captive audience! I’ll try not to be too annoying.

9. Photography – I don’t know if this falls into the Art category, but, I want to learn how to use one of those spiffy SLR (? I don’t even know what they’re called) cameras to create the pictures I envision in my head that my little Olympus just can’t handle. I haven’t decided if I’m going to take a class or just study online resources. I still have to get the camera, any suggestions?

10. Emergency Preparedness – Um, I’m blushing right now ‘cause when you make an admission like this most people look at you funny. But here’s the deal. I do feel like the world is changing. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. The idea of having supplies stocked away in my home and under my bed makes me feel better. It’s just that simple.

So there they are, my new year’s resolutions; nothing too extreme or unattainable. Throughout this month and this year I’ll be sharing more with you as I work out the details, celebrate accomplishments, and even work through setbacks. I encourage you to follow along and please chime in and let me know about your own resolutions!

(photo courtesy of The Graphics Fairy)

Technorati Tags: New Year's Resolutions,Photography,Emergency Preparedness,Getting Published,Food,Quilts,Lose Weight,Redesign,Homeschooling,Art projects

Preparing for the New Year

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

It’s the last week of the year, time to clean-up and organize the household; and better than that, a chance to make lists, charts, and graphs to map out 2012. I have so many big ideas and goals for myself and my family and I’m going to get myself going by taking part in BlogHer’s January NaBloPoMo.

The topic is ‘beginnings’ and I’m ready to not just begin a new year but begin a new phase of my life. This Sunday I’ll start things off by going over a few of my goals for the new year, including what I want to share with you here at My Very Educated Mother!

Ahhh, Nuts!

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

My husband and I were talking the other night about those odd little things we associate with the holidays and the subject of nuts came up. So today when I made my colossally big grocery shopping trip I picked up a mix of the Christmas classics (Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts). I beamed with anticipation while I held up the bag of mixed nuts for my husband to see as if I was holding up a fresh kill and saying “look, look what I got for you!”

“Man, why didn’t you get the kind with salt on them.”

“What?” (I was still smiling like an idiot.)

“Some peanuts, with the salt on them.”

“Because that’s not Christmas, #@$%&*” (Again, still smiling like an idiot.)

Despite everyone’s disappointment we still had nuts after dinner. The kids hated them. Sure, it was fun cracking them open and using the little pick to perform meticulous ‘operations,’ but other than that, eh.

Technorati Tags: Nuts,Christmas memories,Brazil nuts,hazelnuts,pecans,walnuts

How NOT to Freeze Your Banana Bread

2011-12-19T01:12:00.001-06:00

To get myself in that baking mood I decided to take some bananas out of the freezer* and make up my farmer’s market sized batch of banana bread.

Everything went well, I’ve posted the recipe below. It wasn’t until I was trying to decide how to freeze the loaves that I ran into a bit of trouble. I’m blaming my little sister, because she kept me on the phone discussing how well the imagery of the Holocene video matches the lines and sentiment of the song. I mean that’s distracting right? Deep thoughts like that running through your brain and then to be faced with how to freeze banana bread?

So I had a brilliant idea! While reaching for the plastic cling wrap I spotted the vacuum sealer rolls. Yay, I’ll vacuum seal them! I don’t get to use this little gadget that often so I was really excited that I’d thought of it. I cut the length I needed, sealed up one end, slid in the loaf of bread, and then started up the vacuum process.

I hadn’t yet frozen these lovely, fluffy, poufy, soft, moist loaves but surely they were still going to maintain their superb shape once I turned on that lovely machine. Surely.

For a very long time the shape of the bread did hold up under the powerful suction and I actually had a feeling that everything was going to be okay. Then in about 5 seconds it turned into what you see above. Don’t worry, I did learn my lesson. The rest were wrapped in plastic wrap - then a paper bag, dated, and put into the freezer.

Besides being an easy and sweet treat for the family banana bread also makes a great food gift if you’re in a pinch!

Farmer’s Market Banana Bread (4-6 loaves)

Ingredients

7 cups of flour
2 cups of sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1 1/3 cup of shortening ( I like to use the butter flavored)
1/2 cup of milk
4 cups mashed bananas
8 eggs
1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven at 350 degrees and spray 4-6 loaf pans. After buying a number of loaf pans this summer I’ve found I actually prefer using the super cheap aluminum ones. They are smaller so I can get six loaves out of one batch.

Cream the sugar and shortening. Add in half the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next mix in the milk and bananas before adding the rest of the flour. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Finally add the eggs one at a time and then add the nuts if that’s your thing.

Evenly distribute the batter between your pans, sprinkle with a handful of nuts, and bake for 45-60 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.

*This past summer when I was baking for the Farmer’s Market, I learned about freezing bananas. So now when the overripe bananas are 29 cents a pound I buy a bunch or two and through them in the freezer once I get home. They will instantly turn brown but when you take them out to thaw they will liquefy inside their skins. For real. I don’t even need to mash them anymore I just cut off the tops and poor them into the bowl. The ones shown below are ALMOST thawed.

Technorati Tags: Banana bread,baking,vacuum sealer,freezing,treats,bread,snack,bananas,frozen bananas in their skins

Hats Off for the Holidays

2011-12-14T23:09:00.002-06:00

Wow, has it really been a week since last I posted? Like everyone else in the free world I’ve been busy. So, so, busy. Okay, not really. I mean yeah there are things to do but that hardly means I’m busy? Maybe I’ll save my annoyance with the ‘busy’ phenomenon for another day because today I want to show you what I HAVE been working on! HATS!

Read more »

When Nature Calls

2011-12-08T08:30:00.003-06:00

During the ornament challenge I showed off an owl ornament the kids and I made using beans, acorns, and seeds. Truth be told I was out of hot glue sticks at the time and didn’t get to make the little critters exactly how I wanted. But now the glue sticks have been restocked and I’ve finally got the little owl family I had envisioned.

These birds make me think of macramé and 1970’s string art…and I love them! Here’s a much better tutorial on how you can make your own!
Read more »

Happy St. Nicholas Day

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Nicholas Day! As promised I have pictures of our fully decked out, almost completely, handmade ornamented tree. Uh, as you can see from the photos, lighting was not my friend.

Not only did I have a horrible time showcasing this truly beautiful tree but the camera seemed to draw attention to the fact that the lights along the bottom of the tree are not the same as those on the top. With the naked eye, you can really tell a difference, darn cameras. No matter how hard I tried…

Lovely, well, at least it smells good.

Hope your holiday decorating is going better!

Technorati Tags: Christmas decorating,Christmas trees,lighting,handmade ornaments,paper crafts,crafting with kids,real trees,recycling projects,nature crafts

Chalk Cloth Gift Tags

2011-12-04T22:56:00.002-06:00

This weekend I started tackling my Christmas crafting by knocking out the easiest project on the list. Chalk cloth gift tags aren’t just clever, they’re reusable and a cinch to make!
Read more »

Challenge Follow-up

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

If I never see another ornament…just kidding. I may be a little burned out but I’ve still got other holiday crafting ideas up my sleeve and you can be sure I’ll be sharing them.

The Challenge…ahh, where to begin? Instead of drawing even more attention to the misses I’m going to go over my three favorite ornaments.

NUO Challenge – The Last One

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a crazy month it’s been! There’ve been some hits and some misses, but the good news is I’m ending this challenge on a hit! Lisa from Lisa’s Craft Blog suggested I try an ornament from her site. When I visited there were so many to choose from! Finally I decided to try my hand with a Ribbon Christmas Tree but of course I put my own spin on it!

NUO Challenge Ornament #22

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

This might be the easiest ornament to date and I know it smells the best! I love the orange and clove ornament idea but there’s no way I can hang an entire orange on the tree and not expect it to fall off. So instead I sliced up an orange, and let the kids fill them with cloves and anise stars. I’m letting them dry a bit before hanging. Here’s hoping everything stays intact!

For more on the inspiration behind this Challenge click here.

Follow this link and check out my Linky Parties page for a listing of parties I participate in.

Technorati Tags: No Ugly Ornament Challenge,crafting with kids,oranges,cloves,anise stars,ornaments,dried fruit,Christmas

NUO Challenge Ornament #21 Felt-Challenged

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Well we’re in the final stretch and I guess now is as good a time as any to admit that I’m felt-challenged. No matter how hard I try my circles are always off and when I try to correct them I usually make matters worse. This story has a happy ending though, because this time I managed to create something I’m not afraid to share, felt garland!

NUO Challenge #20 Origami Dresses

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

I received an origami dress ornament a couple of years ago as part of an ornament swap and it is simply one of my favorite. While I can’t make the fancy hanger it came on, I can recreate the dress with vintage book pages to add a little feminine whimsy to our tree!

NUO Challenge #19 The Sewing Loft

2011-11-24T07:53:00.001-06:00

I want to give a big Thank You to Heather from The Sewing Loft for giving me a

day off during this challenge and all her great ornament ideas!

Head over to The Sewing Loft and check out the new 3-D ornaments she's made!

See ya Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T23:41:00.001-06:00

I started out writing the usual, “I’m so thankful…” schpeel but Teagan is watching old episodes of The Office and I’m seriously distracted. That’s not to say I’m not thankful, I’m actually very thankful, mostly for those people covering my couch in the picture above. So instead of racking my brain I’m going to pass along a few Thanksgiving quotes that speak to me.

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Thank God every day when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know. ~Basil Carpenter

NUO Challenge Ornament #18 MORE PAPER!

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Let’s face it paper ornaments are much easier when you’re crafting with kids. So yes, this is another paper ornament!

How About Orange was one of the first blogs I fell in love with and she’s got a ton of great ornament tutorials. This ornament is another one of my favorites. Ours are made from vintage book pages and not nearly as pretty as hers but I still had fun with this one!

NUO Challenge Ornament #17 Stash Cans

2011-11-22T05:00:00.002-06:00

This was a last minute, ornament replacement, and like always it turned out much better than my original plan. See, my goal was to make paper nests by winding scraps of newspaper and gluing along the way. Unfortunately I over-estimated my children’s coordination and at 3 p.m. this afternoon had NOTHING to show for it! I didn’t even have a good mess-up. Just a couple kids with glue and newsprint all over their fingers.
Coffee to the rescue. Here’s my confession, I’ve got an addiction to Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk…in my coffee. It’s not something I’m proud of and yes I have read how many calories are in just ONE tablespoon of that wonderful concoction (for the record I delude myself by buying the fat free version.) Anyway, I’m left with a bunch of cute little cans that I’ve been wanting to turn into little stash cans! Thankfully the kids were able to get these made in no time!
Read more »

NUO Challenge Ornament #16 Caged Animals

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

These ornaments are very roughly based on a class I took at TCC, taught by Brenda Schweder. I had to rework the wire a bit after the kids got done but I’m still pretty happy with the results. I think it would’ve worked better if we’d had used smaller items with more wire!

NUO Challenge Ornament #15 –Martha’s Loops

2011-11-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Yes, this is inspired by a Martha ornament…see! Of course hers is perfectly symmetrical, I’m betting not made by kids. The basic concept behind this ornament lends itself to any decorating style, notice the vintage book pages, and gives the opportunity for playing around. You’ll see what I mean!

Read more »

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

I’m taking the day off but head on over to The Sewing Loft and see what kind of ornament Heather is whipping up!

See ya Friday!

NUO Challenge #13 Uncle Chris’s Snowflakes

2011-11-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

This is an ornament I’ve wanted to make since I first saw it on How About Orange, many years ago. For one reason or another it never seemed to happen. Then my brother, Chris, tried to explain this awesome ornament he thought the kids and I would like to make. I thought it sounded familiar but it wasn’t until I watched his tutorial that I realized it was the same ornament! No more excuses – it’s time to make this paper snowflake ornament.

NUO Challenge Ornament #12

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Ornament #10 left me feeling cheated, #11 was cute but the mess and awkwardness of it just…eh. See below for more about them and the final pictures. On to Ornament #12 Vintage Santa!

This ornament is mix of three different common crafting techniques; juice lids, accordion folded medallions, and vintage images doused in glitter! Hope you like them!

NUO Challenge Ornaments #10 & #11

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

I’m going to go over the prep work for both today’s and tomorrow’s ornament. While they are both relatively easy, they require drying time. Ornament #10 is a Borax crystal icicle and ornament #11 is a twine ball.

NUO Challenge Ornament #9 Owww, I mean Owls

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

**First, don’t forget to thank a Veteran today. Yay, Veteran’s Day and I’m NOT working at a parade. **

Yes, I meant to say that, Owww, and Owls. Last week I had a tooth break, it was beyond repair and pulled this past Tuesday. Sniff…it hurts more now than last week, whimper, even my ear is hurting. Deep breathe, but back to the ornaments.

NUO Challenge #8

2011-11-10T05:00:00.002-06:00

I’m taking the day off but head on over to The Sewing Loft and see what kind of ornament Heather is whipping up!

See ya Friday!

NUO Challenge Ornament #7 Medallions

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

Remember yesterday when I said the kids didn’t want to make an ornament so they came up with the lion. This is the ornament they didn’t want to make.

NUO Challenge Ornament #6 Paperback Lions

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay first off, cut me some slack on the magazine cut-outs, it was a long weekend! I guess I should’ve shared a better picture…there’s one at the end of this post.

Back to the sixth ornament, Paperback Lions. I wish I could take credit for this but it was really all the kids. I had taken out my box of supplies, i.e. things I rescued from the recycling basket, and an ornament I wanted the kids to try to make. Once they looked at it they said no, it’s boring. Then Essie pointed out that it looked like a lion’s mane. Well, we all started playing and creating and this is what we came up with.

NUO Challenge Ornament #5 Magazine Cut-outs

2011-11-07T07:51:00.001-06:00

I had every intention of taking some time this weekend to get ahead on this challenge, I swear! But then I broke a tooth. So I’ve been a sort of drug-induced haze, and it’s not helping my to-do list! Still, I was able to get the kids behind this one, mostly because they’ve all wanted to try out the sewing machine! It’s a pretty simple idea, and while it doesn’t match my ‘tree theme’, these ornaments will help decorate our home in another way you’ll just have to wait to see!

Cupcake Wars #1

2011-11-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

It’s only been a little over a month since we bit the bullet, and already the kids have gotten hooked on a couple of shows. There are the ones you’d expect, Phineas and Ferb, My Little Ponies, and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. But there’s one that you might not expect. Cupcake Wars.
Read more »

NUO Challenge Ornament #4 Okra on a Stick

2011-11-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, I can’t claim this ornament as my own, Clara from the Pulaski County Farmer’s Market gave me the idea when we were talking about what to do with okra that had gotten too large. Why did it get too large you ask? Because we don’t eat it. I’ve never liked it and planted it on a lark. Am I ever so glad that I did. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen an okra plant but it’s absolutely lovely and will be a staple in my gardens from here on out!

As you can see from the picture this ornament is really a spike that can be used to fill in those empty spots in the tree or skip the tree and put them in a stylish vase anytime of the year!

NUO Challenge Ornament # 3

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

I’m taking the day off but head on over to The Sewing Loft and see what kind of ornament Heather is whipping up!

See ya Friday!

NUO Challenge Ornament #2 – Paper Birds

2011-11-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

I may have accidentally cut off the tip of his beak, but the kids and I really enjoyed making these ornaments and they’re super easy! We used this bird ornament from Under the Table and Dreaming as our inspiration and kinda went from there!
Read more »

NUO Challenge Ornament #1 – Wine Cork Tassels

2011-11-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the official start of the No Ugly Ornament Challenge! We’re off to a whiz bang start!!! That was sarcasm. Yesterday afternoon I gathered the kids, supplies and all my good intentions and this is what we ended up with.
Read more »

Guest Blogging over at Mommy by Day...Crafter by Night

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello All! I'm super excited to be guest blogging over at Mommy by Day...Crafter by Night! Below is a little snippet of the project I'm sharing; hope you can get a chance to hop over there and read more!

Fold-Top Snack Bags

Everyone uses snack bags, whether it’s in lunch boxes, picnic baskets, diaper bags, or even purses. And while I try to do right by recycling and re-using my baggies I wanted another option. I could just buy re-usable bags but why when I can make them myself? Plus, the idea of crumb incrusted Velcro doesn’t sound appealing to me. The bag I came up with is reminiscent of the fold-top bags I had in my lunch box, circa 1984. They stitch up in a jiffy and in addition to being great snack bags, they make great treat bags for parties or gifts themselves.

Read more at Mommy by Day...Crafter by Night!

It’s a Challenge

2011-10-27T09:08:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again to bring out the glue guns and start making Christmas ornaments with the kids. But something, kinda, unexpected happened - my oldest son rebelled.
Read more »

Sweet Treat Sharing

2011-10-26T15:38:00.001-05:00

I’ve been up to my eyeballs in projects and good ideas but the best I’ve had in a while was to go on a sweet treat baking spree! Below are a couple of great recipes I’ve found and had to share!

Recipe: Baked Crab Rangoons

2011-10-23T20:31:00.001-05:00

It doesn’t have to be a holiday or a party for my family to enjoy these quick and easy baked crab rangoons. I just made a quick batch for lunch earlier today and thought I’d share.

Cutting Out Paper Dolls

2011-10-20T23:50:00.001-05:00

Do you ever have those weeks when things just don’t seem to work right, no matter how positive your outlook? I’m having one of those. I’ve been trying to get a better handle on my homeschooling schedule. (Instead of making copies right before we start the lesson.) The dining room is filled with material, trims, totes, and an ironing board as I get ready for a couple upcoming craft shows. My blogging/online to-do list is making my carpal tunnel flare up; and can I just say probate sucks?!

Spider Web Window Clings

2011-10-17T07:59:00.001-05:00

Here is a quick and easy project. All you need are a handful of black hot glue sticks and a non-stick surface – I chose the mat that came with my glue gun.

Little Boy, My String Bean, My Lovely Man

2011-10-16T21:13:00.001-05:00

***Warning, extremely personal and sappy post.***

This past Saturday was my oldest son’s birthday, I’ve been trying to decide whether or not to post this little story about and for him. He was feeling kind of bummed earlier so I went ahead and had him read it first. He agreed it’s kind of corny, but, I’m a Mom, so it’s allowed from time to time. Anyhow, here’s a little bit about my life and my little man, Charles, aka Teagan.

Phonics and Photos Friday

2011-10-14T09:03:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week we tried our hand at making mosaics. Vincent said he’d prefer a collage. Then we discussed portrait versus landscape. Halfway into the project Esther asked to please change the color of her mountains to white. Vincent’s is actually a tree and house with silly monkeys trying to camouflage themselves in the grass.

Just Keep Moving

2011-10-13T13:21:00.001-05:00

As I pile up completed projects, cross things off my to-do list, and pile up notes filled with ideas and inspirations, I realize whatever paralyzing funk I was in during the summer has passed. I feel like my husband, you know, the guy who can’t stop moving.

This week I’ve been working on some blogging projects, so hang tight, things are going to be looking different soon! In the mean time, here are some pictures of more tangible projects I’ve been working on and hope to feature next month!

This Is Uncomfortable

2011-10-12T08:02:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was a long one for this family and while it was filled with fun gatherings and new experiences there was one that’s still making me feel uncomfortable.

If you’ve EVER been around homeschoolers, you learn pretty quickly that a very large majority have chosen this lifestyle for religious and/or political reasons. We did not, but I still know what to expect when we attend homeschooling functions. This weekend we took part in a field trip. It was fun and the kids had a great time. Are you anticipating a big BUT? Yeah, here it comes.

Granny Square Purse Tutorial

2011-10-07T08:58:00.001-05:00

A woman’s purse is like a baby’s diaper bag. It contains everything she needs to get through her day, outside the comfort of home, and it does it all with style. It defines functional fashion.

A number of months ago I saw this super, awesomely sweet bag on Etsy, that I can no longer find. Yes, I should’ve just bought it but, if you saw my stash of unused yarn, I’m hanging my head in shame, I had to just make my own. Here’s a quick tutorial, that will only be helpful to you if you already know how to crochet (basic sewing experience is also helpful). I have to warn you this was quick and easy I’m sure there will be more in the future!

Happy 3rd Anniversary

2011-10-04T17:05:00.000-05:00

As of today I have been blogging for three years. Wow, it doesn't really seem that long until I look through old posts. Leave it to the children to put into perspective just how long three years can be. I mean, goodness, Vin was still getting mistaken for a girl, Essie was just as messie, but in much, much grosser ways, and Teagan still had his snake!

Here's to three more years of sharing!

I Have A Confession

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

What’s that in our driveway? Is that, no, it couldn’t be. I mean, I’ve said countless times, “I will not pay to watch television.”

First came the converter box, remember that? When the government was giving the public vouchers to make sure we all stayed plugged in? Yeah, we caved then.

Then being persistent paid off, at least it did for Netflix. It only took that ‘one free month’ and we were hooked; instant streaming rocked! Yes, I said rocked, as in past tense. The constant retrieving just got to be too much for Nate and the kids. Factor in the really misguided changes they made and well, Netflix went bye-bye.

Throughout the entire time we’ve lived back here in Missouri, Nate and I have threatened each other with getting satellite. Yes, the converter box worked out great, but our television room is in a basement, moving rabbit ears to get a channel to come in is out of style and gave me a cramp when I’d get stuck holding a position so that ‘Wild Kratts’ would come in clear. It’s also football season, which means I get to listen to Nate whine about not being able to watch football, oh, and the new season of Dexter started.

What? How would I know that? Three free months of movie channels. Yes, we caved, again. There are no more rabbit ears strategically balanced on the bookshelf. There is one master remote. The Wii is feeling abandoned and I’m still annoyed that they switched everything from analog to digital.

Phonics and Photos Friday

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week the kids and I read Leaf Man. It inspired us to go out and collect leaves and autumn items to create our own leaf men (and a leaf fish).

Silhouette Wall Plaque

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve had these wooden pieces for a while and just wasn’t for sure what I wanted to do with it, or how I could do what I envisioned with them. With a little help from The Graphics Fairy and lessons I learned from Everyday is a Holiday I was able to make these. It was super easy and I had to share a quick tutorial.
Read more »

More TCC Gushing

2011-09-23T13:24:00.001-05:00

The Creative Connection Event has influenced me and I figured I might as well apologize now if I get annoying. Not that I would every be annoying to anyone other than my husband, who already tunes out half of what I say. He calls it a coping mechanism; I call it rude. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, here is my humble attempt to get it all out of my system and into the blogosphere.

Orange and Almond Scones

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

So we’re out of milk, we’re out of cereal, and no one wants oatmeal. I am in desperate need of a good grocery shopping trip but until then I had to come up with something to put in front of the kids and this morning it turned out to be my favorite standby yogurt scones with Heath Bar bits. Yum. But there’s only one left.
Read more »

Creating and Connecting

2011-09-19T22:34:00.001-05:00

When I first signed up for The Creative Connection and BlogHer Handmade it felt like a big, expensive risk. In the months after I made the non-refundable reservations I doubted and questioned my decision and my intentions. At the last minute I decided to sign up for the Pitch Slams and almost immediately regretted it. I still can’t explain why I did it, but I did, and in this case the risk paid off.

I met a wealth of women whose advice, guidance, and friendship I intend to cultivate. But there’s a special energy about moments like these. Being surrounded by so many creative and driven artists, writers, publishers, crafters, etc. and having the opportunity to share this experience with them was awe-inspiring. (Click the link, learn the word, because I mean it in a very literal sense.)

The Marketplace made me feel like Charlie Bucket! There was just so much to take it and so little time. I was completely amazed at the gorgeousness of it all, there were so many trinkets, dolls, books, etc. and each piece was just so darn covetable.

And then there was the swag. The fine folks at TCC had already mentioned a bag filled with $250 worth of gifts to be given at the dinner what they didn't mention was you'd need a bag for the swag that would be thrown your way at every turn! You'll have to look through my Flickr pictures, I photographed everything as I tried to fit it all into my one checked bag! It fit but weighed in at 33 pounds and that was NOT including about five magazines!

Outside of the event, I FINALLY got to go to an Ikea store.

Eh, I like window shopping it online much better. I did insist on having a meal there though. I mean it's a sin not to at least try the meatballs, right?

Then there was the Mall of America!

Eh, I just don’t think I was in the mood for mass consumerism.

It was very nice and quiet though, if you’re looking to visit I highly recommend Wednesday, September 14th around 11 a.m. I was told by fellow travelers returning to MO that during the weekend it was CRAZY. There was also a scrapbooking event being held there.

Well, I’m sure this is not the end of my rambling about TCC or the people I’ve met but for now this will have to do! Lesson planning has pushed itself to the top of my priority list, at least for the night.

Wish Me Luck!

2011-09-13T14:23:00.001-05:00

So a year ago I was packing up and getting ready to see the Oprah show with Martha Stewart and this year I’m packing up getting ready to attend The Creative Connection Event and BlogHer Handmade. It’s going to be a blast meeting so many creative minded folks and learning from them all! I’m also jazzed about the classes I’ve signed up for! There’s this panel about Self Publishing and Working With Sponsors. Lovely Ladies and Lines will be something new to try! Making a Living as an Artist is sure to be another class packed with information. Finally there’s Wrangled Bangles; handmade jewelry that’s more my style.

There’s also going to be the marketplace, dinners, lunches, and even a speed-dating breakfast. But the one thing that has me panicking right now is THIS. A week and a half before the event, when all I have to worry about it finding my way around, I decide to go ahead and give a pitch! WHAT WAS I THINKING! Preparing for this trip, a visit from a sister, another sister having a baby, Mom’s birthday, soccer, and homeschooling. Naw, that’s not a busy enough schedule, let’s add preparing a pitch to be presented to four leading national publishers! It’ll be fun and what an opportunity :) (Picture me smiling obnoxiously about now.) Seriously it will be a great learning experience and hopefully I'll get a freelance job out of it but I probably should’ve signed up for it months ago.

My flight leaves tomorrow, wish me luck! (And wish Nate the patience to deal with the kiddos and homeschooling!)

Homeschooling - Theatre Field Trip

2011-09-07T13:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I spent the better part of my day in Springfield with a bunch of homeschoolers, including my three! (For the record, if you want to go to Incredible Pizza, and keep your sanity, go during the regular school day. )

We visited the Associated Theatrical Contractors for a lesson in make-up and a tour of their facility. The kids all got a kick out of watching the transformation and learned about shadowing and highlighting.

It didn’t take long before the two little ones were yawning and, get this, asking to take a nap in the van. They did rest for a few minutes before pulling out a Lego magazine.

Oh, have I not mentioned we’re the proud new owners of a mini-van? Must have been something that slipped my mind. I mean, you know my views concerning the subject.

Munch, munch, munch.

Yeah, that’s me eating crow.

Giveaway Winner Announcement

2011-09-05T08:39:00.001-05:00

Using the Random Sequence Generator the winner is comment #6,

beauty blossom clusters very awesome and all the designs are great ! thanks for the chance kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

By kendra22 on My Memories Suite 2 Giveaway on 9/2/11

Thanks again to everyone who entered, I really do appreciate it! Also a big thanks to

My Memories for the opportunity to review and share My Memories Suite!

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

Timestamp: 2011-09-05 13:10:11 UTC

Labor Day

2011-09-04T12:27:00.001-05:00

In fitting with this Labor Day holiday and the cool, early autumn day gifted to us after yesterday’s scorcher, Nate and I are spending the day working. I’m sitting inside doing research while he’s outside digging in the dirt and preparing the garden for the upcoming seasons.

This year we will be adding more beds to the garden and have decided to forgo the cinder block design for wood. No, it won’t match, and if you know us you know this was something we took into consideration, but it is much easier to put in and more economic.

So now begins the arduous task of leveling the ground, at least a bit. We only have two beds made but the goal is to add five more to the garden area and another three to the back yard for melons and pumpkins. It’s only September and I can’t wait to start the new planting season next year!

The kids are also enjoying the weather. Even after an entire hour and a half there were no complaints!

P.S. Don’t forget the My Memories Suite giveaway closes at midnight tonight!

Be sure to enter!

Look What I Made! Crocheted Rag Baskets

2011-08-31T20:23:00.001-05:00

So in addition to playing with the My Memories program this weekend I also finally got around to working on a project that has been on my crafting to-do list for quite some time!

Many years ago I inherited a very large stash of fabrics that belonged to my Grandmother. While most of it is quilting materials there were many yards of very loud Hawaiian prints. I kept telling myself that it was the volume of the print that felt overwhelming I surely could make a dress or shirt out of it. Then I asked Nate what he thought while holding the material across my body. He gave me the quizzical, one-eyebrowed, Donald Sutherland-like smirk. “Um, are you going to wear whatever you make with that?” Point taken.

So what to do with all this material, it had spent too much of its existence sitting on a shelf, I needed to make with it! Well, when all else fails (i.e. I can’t make curtains out of it.) cut it up and crochet it! Which is exactly what I did. Here’s a quick tutorial. I’m sure I forgotten a step or two but hopefully you quick chickadees will be able to pick it up just fine.

Crocheted Rag Baskets

Items needed:
Material (lots of color and lots of yardage is key)
Rotary cutter or scissors
Sewing Machine (optional)
Crochet Hook (the one I used wasn’t marked but I’d say an N at the smallest. The size is going to depend on your fabric and how tight a weave you want on your basket.)

Directions
Step 1.

When I say you’re going to need lots of yardage, I’m NOT exaggerating. Think ten yards or more if you’re really wanting to make a lot or a large basket. Fold as thick as your rotary cutter or scissors will let you and start cutting it into strips.

The strip width is really up to you. In the picture I’m going with 1 1/2” but later with another fabric I opted for an inch and they both worked out fine and with the same sized hook. *Note because you will have a lot of material on your hands I suggest keeping them folded.

Step 2.

So you have your strips cut now comes the conjoining step. This is another one of those times that it’s up to you. Here are two different options.

The first doesn’t require a sewing machine just a pair or scissors. What you’ll be doing is taking the ends of each strip of fabric and cutting a small slit in it. Like this.

Now you’ll take end A and feed it through end B like so.

Here’s the fun part, Pull end A through end B just enough to open the slit in end A.
Now feed end A through the slit on end A. I know this sounds complicated but once you start working it you’ll get it.

Continue this process of joining by feeding each new strip through the slit of the older. Once they are all conjoined roll them up into a tidy ball of fabric yarn.

The second option is much quicker but does require the use of a sewing machine.

Take the cut strips and sew one end to the other. Now, because you are crocheting NOT quilting you don’t have to be exact. You could even just sew them straight across. I opted to do it on a diagonal.

Once all the strips are sewed together, resist the urge to unfold. Instead clip the excess fabric and if, like me, you’ve sew them one after an another be sure to separate them as well. Unfold each strip as you roll it into a ball.

Step 3.
Okay so we have big balls of fabric yard, now what?
Now you grab your crochet hook and go to town. Here is the basic pattern I use.

Chain 3, join with a slip stitch. Keep in mind for the base of the basket you will only be using a Single Crochet stitch.
Row 1: Make 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next stitch, repeat this pattern all the way around.
Row 2: Make 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next two stitches, pattern repeat this all the way around.
Row 3: Make 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next three stitches, pattern repeat this all the way around.
Row 2: Make 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next four stitches, pattern repeat this all the way around.
(Repeat this pattern until the base is as wide as you want the basket to be.)
Row ?: Now SC in each stitch all the way around. This is the base of the walls of the basket. If you want a sturdier basket do a few rows like this before moving on.
I like to work in a couple of rows of DC but this is really your preference. If you want NOTHING to get through the basket’s weave I suggest working only with SC stitches.

Now you should be able to make your own fabric baskets and clear room on your shelf for MORE fabrics! Here are photos of some ideal uses for smaller baskets.

Check out my Linky Parties page for where I like to share stories like this one. Either follow the link or find it on the right column of the blog under pages.

My Memories Suite 2 Giveaway

2011-08-29T09:03:00.001-05:00

Isn’t today a great day for a giveaway? Yeah, I thought so too. So without further ado…

My Memories Suite Version 2 has been hailed as the best digital scrapbooking program out there and I’d have to agree.

I’ve been playing with the digital scrapbook tool for the last few days and all I can say is, WOW! Here is a list of MY reasons for loving this program!

In the past I’ve downloaded my photos to an online photo storage site (trust me when I say this takes a lot of time), and then fill in one of their photo book templates. With My Memories Suite I can do all that BUT I don’t have to go through the trouble of moving my pictures here, there and everywhere! PLUS I can print my own pages, and put them in whatever book I want! All while being as creative as I want to be! Here is a page from the 2011 album I’m working on.

Fonts! I realize that most people don’t care too much about fonts but, I do. (For the record, I hate Arial.) What was I saying, oh, yeah. With My Memories Suite you are free to use whatever fonts are installed on your computer! You are not stuck with ten fonts to choose from, you can actually get creative! So I can take my Betty Noir and go crazy!
Long ago I used Photoshop everyday. I could crop a person here, add them there, whip that text into a circle and then some. Now, not so much. This is where My Memories Suite has exceeded my expectations. Everything is labeled much better and in words someone without a graphic design degree will know. On first glance you might pout your lips and say, “Whatever, there’s too many buttons I don’t know what to do” but it only takes about 30 minutes of tinkering and a whole new world will open up for you. Seriously, that’s how long it took me and I was so impatient I read NO tutorials or how-to manuals.

My Memories Suite offers a very wide variety of page background options and if you get tired of what the program offers you can always visit their site to get new page kits. ‘Cause when you’re looking for that perfect page or image you need to have lots and lots of options, right? (Guess what some of them are even free, like the one above! )
VERY IMPORTANT! This is NOT just a program for scrapbooking or scrapbookers! I don’t know if I can stress that further! Truth be told, outside the yearly books I make, I wouldn’t consider myself a scrapper. However, I like to make some projects with paper and My Memories can help you with those things too! Here are pictures of Teagan’s upcoming birthday card!

Did I mention you can have fun digitally? It’s been a very long time since I played around with music and video but check it out! (1. The empty part of the top page has a video in it. hope it’s working. 2. Because my music files are odd, I didn’t get to have the second page have background music. There is a link to a youtube video, and I’m still working on the music…I will figure out what’s wrong with my files or just re-download the CD.)

Help is out there! My Memories has a website, chock full of all kinds of goodies! Weekly Deals, Tips and Tricks, Album Templates, FREE DOWNLOADS, Design Club, you name it, they’re there to help you make the most of the program! There are a ton of tutorials on the Tips and Tricks page that I just started watching.

Giveaway Details!

Well, now that I’ve told you why I like My Memories Suite, how would you like to win a copy of the program (in a digital download form) for yourself? There are five chances to win!

Visit My Memories, pick out your favorite page kit, come back here and tell me all about it! (1 entry)
Follow My Memories Blog or sign up for their newsletter(1 entry)
Follow My Very Educated Mother or sign up for updates (1 entry)
Follow My Memories on Twitter (1 entry)
Follow little ole me on Twitter (1 entry)

Yes, I have a Facebook page, so does My Memories! However, Facebook has many, many rules and being the law-abiding citizen that I am, I don’t want to break any of them. So while we’d both appreciate a ‘like’ it can’t be a part of the giveaway.

The giveaway will run from Monday August 29th until midnight on Sunday, September 4th. The winner will be selected using a randomizer and announced the morning of September 5th.

Good Luck!

An Impromptu Recital

2011-08-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

The Caterpillar

Christina G. Rosetti

Brown and furry
Caterpillar in a hurry;

Take your walk

To the shady leaf, or stalk.

May no toad spy you,

May the little birds pass by you;

Spin and die,

To live again a butterfly.

Now You Can Like, ‘Like’, Me!

2011-08-25T22:19:00.001-05:00

After much deliberation, I’ve decided to go ahead and make a Facebook page. I don’t know why I didn’t make one sooner, I guess it just seemed redundant, but isn’t everything?

The Facebook page will make it easier to get to my blog posts through Facebook. Which will make it easier for everyone to check out a super cool offer and giveaway I’m going to be starting next Monday! Here’s a hint! (And NO, I’m not giving away a chicken!) Now go forth and ‘like’ me!

Homeschooling Update

2011-08-22T16:03:00.001-05:00

Today marks week three of our homeschooling adventure and I have to say last Wednesday I had my doubts. As all my Facebook friends posted pictures of their kids heading out to school the only picture I could share was one of Vin looking at me and whining, “But I don’t want to memorize ‘The Caterpillar’!” (He’s pretty much got it down by the way-give it another week and I’ll post a video.)

When I think I could be spending the majority of my day working on my own ambitions I’ve got to admit, I question our decision. However, as our days began to work into a routine, co-op classes get added to the calendar, and soccer season is just around the corner my doubts are replaced with excitement! There are so many possibilities to explore!

What Creature Are You?

2011-08-08T21:04:00.001-05:00

Every day around 4 p.m. a television program unlike any other gives me a half hour of complete peace as it sucks my kids in and doesn’t let go! Wild Kratts with the Kratt Brothers. Viewers follow the brothers as they travel around the world documenting animals and their habitats. Whether it’s the flying squirrel or the aardvark, my kids have learned what makes each animal special and more importantly why their special ‘creature powers’ help them to survive.

For many years now the Kratt Brothers have been a staple component to the PBS Kids line-up, back when Teagan was younger we’d watch Zoboomafoo and I know they’ve had a host of other programs as well. (…Zoboomafoo, isn’t that just fun to say? I think I’m going to have to find a way to incorporate it into my everyday vocabulary.) Still nothing has sparked the imagination of my kids as well as Wild Kratts.

Every night as we sit at the diner table Vin asks everyone what creature they’re going to be. If Vin says he’s going to be a rhino Essie will usually keep to the same habitat, or continent, and choose to be a elephant. When it rains their eyes light up! WORMS! They proceed to tell me why worms come up when it rains. Even Teagan enjoys it and I know if he walks up the stairs after it has started it’s probably a repeat. “It’s the honey badger again.”

Today, while I took a new batch of photos for my Etsy store (I promise I am working on it!) in the lovely outdoors the kids raced out after the show was over. I thought for sure they’d be going on a worm hunting expedition but no they wanted to build. They used mud and sticks to build their own renditions of the featured animal’s home. Can you guess the animal? Yep, a beaver.

While I don’t think they’re house was water tight I do know they had the basic building idea (see above photo) and after it was done Essie got creative and created her own mud caterpillar that climbed up the side of a tree. Gotta love my little Wild Kratts!

Bug Bites and an Old Friend

2011-08-05T19:34:00.001-05:00

So, this weekend I have big plans for finally populating my Etsy store…look for a link on Monday! In the meantime I thought I’d post a little update about what’s been going on with me.

I didn’t win the free tickets to TCC, I’m having thyroid issues again, and a bug just buzzed or stung my eyelid. I can’t make this up.

This isn’t really my bad news but I do feel partially responsible since I passed down the ‘please, take my blood’ gene to my unsuspecting son. Vin passed through a seed tick colony.

Here is a picture of the backside of one of his knees. The other looks just as gruesome as does the majority of his body. Sorry.

Now for the good news! An old friend has been welcomed back into my home. For about a month now I’ve weaned myself from its caffeinated clutches but no more! Some friends are just too good to say good-bye to forever. Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk come back to me! Fat-free ‘cause there is no reason for all those calories to be laced with fat and I’m delusional.

In case you were wondering I followed this recipe but halved it.

The Creative Connection Event Giveaway

2011-08-01T13:13:00.001-05:00

September 15th-17th you will find me in St. Paul, MN for the Creative Connection Event. A gathering of the leading names in creative businesses converging for a weekend of inspiration, learning and of course, creating!

What could be better than attending this event? Winning passes and hotel accommodations! The folks at the Creative Connection are hosting such a contest and you better believe I’m throwing my name in the hat! For more information about the giveaway go here. For more information about the event go here.

Antique Paper Wreath

2011-07-27T08:26:00.001-05:00

I’ve been in love with this wreath idea for quite sometime. This past Monday I played around with it and I’m completely smitten!

I highly recommend playing around with it first.

I mean technically this looked okay but once I started gluing it down I knew I’d have to add more.

I think it paid off, sorry my boring beige walls don’t really do it justice.

Drawing

2011-07-20T21:15:00.001-05:00

Many years ago Teagan and I painted pictures that were well, not very good. So I blackened the canvases, bought more for the little ones and so far here’s what we’ve got.

This one’s mine, but it’s only a sketch right now, I still need to paint it.

This is from one of my little modern artists, Esther. I know it looks like a funky rainbow, but it’s not…just ask her!

I don’t think I need to tell you whose this is. Unlike his drawings there are no scary teethed monsters, crosses, arrows, or people inside other people. But I think that’s just because he hasn’t mastered the paintbrush yet. (Don’t jump to conclusions there is usually a benign story to go along with those drawings.)
Teagan and Nate still have to paint theirs…hopefully they’ll let me show them off!

Wigs are Fun

2011-07-18T12:26:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things get a little goofy around this place…okay not sometimes, all the time!

Nothing is more fun than playing dress-up! Wigs are by far the best! The day after Halloween I dare you to go out and buy a few on sale give them to a child and see what kinda persona they take on!She’s got a million dollar smile! Velma, is that you? He looks like an albino biker. I can’t quite make out who that bearded blonde is….hmmmm.

Chamomile Tea

2011-07-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

Isn’t it ironic that the same moment in summer when the weather reaches a near unbearable point is the same time we find ourselves constantly moving and on the go? I’ve been wrapping up summer projects and turning my eyes to fall gardens, thanksgiving recipes and of course, Christmas gifts!

Here are some pictures from the past week.

Chamomile from the garden! I’m really excited when I finally went out to cut it. I think there’s going to be enough for a pretty good tea supply AND seeds for next year!

After the craft day at the library we came home and decided to make more pretty pictures. Of course Teagan read instead and has started a new thing. If I try to take his picture he closes his eyes.

This is one of our little pumpkin plants. Awe-inspiring isn’t it? Those big beautiful leaves and gorgeous blooms.

Not only are they just lovely but as they grow into…PUMPKINS!

Nate built this…did I mention he rocks?

We had a birthday! Unfortunately I couldn’t get the birthday boy to stay still long enough for a proper picture. He was too busy making sure the candles were correctly removed from his M&M castle cake.

I’ve been making breads form the Farmer’s Market…many many loaves of good smelling breads that no one in the house is allowed to eat. It just isn’t right.

Mark my word, I’ll get that boy yet!

Leftovers: Chicken and Rice Made Easy

2011-07-06T16:18:00.001-05:00

I really hate to be wasteful, almost to a fault. So last night as I opened the fridge and pondered what I’d prepare for dinner I knew I had to find a way to incorporate the leftover smoked chicken that was on its last day. So here’s a little concoction I threw together, literally.

Ingredients

leftover chicken

broccoli

rice

block of cream cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp Italian seasonings

2/3 cup milk

Directions

1. When it comes to rice I stick to the 2:1 for 20 minutes. That means for my family 4 cups of boiling water, 2 cups of rice, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Steam broccoli. Because this broccoli is going into a casserole- like dish I didn’t make as much as normal. I usually steam in on high heat to get it done quickly.

3. When rice has about 5 minutes left, and broccoli is done just go ahead and dump that block of cream cheese into a skillet set at medium to high heat.

Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning and begin mashing it all together as the cream cheese begins to melt.

4. Pour in leftover chicken and milk. Stir until everything is incorporated and then add the broccoli.

Depending on how ‘steamed’ your broccoli is it may disintegrate if you add it while you’re still trying to get everything mixed together.

5. Serve over rice, Viola!

Luck of the Irish?

2011-06-30T13:52:00.001-05:00

So after going outside for a moment and spotting these four beauties, I figured that I’d take my camera out and get pictures of them instead of filling old books with clover.

Eight in one hour, not bad but I generally can do better when I’m not actively looking for them. Did you see the one with the blade of grass growing through it? What about the five-leafer?

Finding four-leaf clovers has always been easy for me, and apparently I’m not alone. Here’s a clever link if you want to try to ‘hunt’ for them. Personally I just look down and spot one, they tend to stand out to me. I mean, they have four leaves, or more, when everything around them has only three. It’s like a slightly yellow marigold in a field of orange ones.

Also, it all has to do with genetics so despite statistics where you find one you’re likely to find a couple more. It’s kinda like being left-handed. I’m left-handed, one of my children is left-handed, a couple of relatives are left-handed, etc. etc.

Mmmm Tomato Juice

2011-06-30T09:42:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know it’s easier to can whole tomatoes. Yes, I know there are mixes out there to make spaghetti sauce. Yes, Yes Yes. But, my family doesn’t like chunks, in particular tomato chunks. So, yesterday I spent the better part of the afternoon canning tomato juice. Here’s a rundown of my method.

Assembly tools. Tomatoes, jars, lids, lid screws(?), canner, food mill, jar lifter, magnetic lid lifter. Not pictured: towels.

Check on the bread in the over.

Wash and dry many, many tomatoes.

I like to work in an assembly line; cut and core, drain, and then into the pot they go.

Boil down, recipes will try to tell you this will only take 15 minutes or so. This may be true with a mini batch but this big o’pot took about 35 minutes.

Next is the real fun, seriously it’s my favorite part. Running it all through the food mill.

Yummy. Doesn’t that look like a raw meatloaf?

Next 1 tsp salt and 2 Tbsp of lemon juice in each of the slightly warmed jars. They always start out warm but by the time I’ve dried them all then gotten the salt and juice in them, they’re barely over room temperature. So far I haven’t had any breakage so I guess it’s okay.

I’m missing a picture for the next step, but it’s pretty simple. Put the juice back into the pot and bring to a boil. Let it boil about five minutes before turning off the heat and letting it simmer.

Meanwhile, put the lids in a small saucepan of water and bring to a boil. This helps soften the rubber seals so they fit nice and snug on the jars. At the same time you’ll want to get your canner boiling. Leaving the lid on the canner helps to bring the heat up faster.

Once the canner starts to show signs of a strong boil go ahead and begin filling the jars. Wipe your rims before putting on the dried lids. Generally I fill all the jars, then wipe all the rims, place all the lids, then screw them all down-lightly.

Once the canner is at a full rolling boil gently drop down your canning rack into the water. Place each jar in, one at a time, being careful not to slosh or tip from side to side. It is important to keep the jars vertical from this point on.

Once all the jars are in the canner, replace the lid, and bring back to a full boil. Continue to boil for 40 minutes if you’re dealing with quarts, 30 for pints.

ALMOST FORGOT- I can never get the water level right. Since it has to be one inch over the tops of the jars I always keep a kettle of boiling water at the ready so that I have water to add to the canner if necessary.

After the 40 minutes, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place on a towel. Remember keep them vertical! Place them somewhere they can just sit undisturbed. Once they’ve cooled I go ahead and place them in the cabinet. Yay, all done.

I’m sure the obvious question is why go through the trouble when it isn’t always saving me any money. Simple answer, because I like to know what I’m feeding my family and if I can give them something wholesome that I made, I will.

Homeschool: Where to Begin

2011-06-27T13:32:00.001-05:00

Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

Malcolm Forbes

For many months, even before the final decision was made, I’ve been scouring the internet for state requirements, legal help, curriculums, personal stories, and anything that can help as we set up our homeschool. If you haven’t had the pleasure of comparing unschooling, Charlotte Mason, classical education, and a list of other ways of homeschooling, you’re saving yourself a headache. The more I read the more I thought what I have gotten into? How am I going to know what kind of books to get, where to start, how to lay out the school years, etc. etc.? I mean I can divide the required hours into an actual calendar year, but what exactly were we going to be doing to fill those hours?

Enter The Well-Trained Mind. A classical education fit with the structure and order in which both my children and I thrive, but as I tried to read the book I thought I had made a mistake. It wasn’t until I stopped trying to read every word that I realized a comprehensive plan with plenty of room for adjustments was right there; along with a number of different book series for every subject. For us, this was the How, Where, Why, What, and When of it!

A couple of Amazon orders later and with many, many books ‘donated’ to our humble little school from a fellow homeschooler and family, we’ve begun working on our yearly schedule, which begins in just a couple of weeks. Yeah, I’ve heard it from the kids why do we have to start in the summer!? But when I told them we’d have five to six hour days, four days a week, they quit complaining.

On the social side of things, we’ve been lucky that Teagan’s involvement with PFAA has helped to introduce us to many homeschooling families and I’m very grateful for the class he’s already been taking with some of them along with the advice given. In August we hope to get more involved with a coop group out of Lebanon and I’m sure that the kids will be playing soccer and hopefully starting piano lessons.

Some people might think we’re crazy and other’s might think we’re brave but what I know is that there is no doubt in my mind that I can provide, just as good, if not a better education for my children than anyone else. My responsibility as a parent is to help them learn the skills necessary to live productive, fulfilling, meaningful lives. I’m sure it’s not going to be easy, but life isn’t easy.

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Theodore Roosevelt

It’s no surprise to anyone who’s had a conversation with me this past year that we have decided to homeschool. As we work our way through the year I’ll be giving updates about assignments, trips, products and the basic trials and tribulations along the way.

More Yard Critters

2011-06-21T22:04:00.001-05:00

So besides falling painfully behind in my Trust30 postings I’ve been working on my photography skills. All these photos were taken in the same day…this past Sunday to be exact. I don’t know why so many critters had to weasel their way into the pictures but I decided to just go with it. Whoa! How’d that get in there and how did he get his leg like that? All joking aside these bugs are using my blackberry bush like a pay-by-the-hour hotel.

Frogs and Turtles

2011-06-13T21:55:00.001-05:00

The past month or so we’ve had visits from a tree frog, red-eared turtle and lots of caterpillars. (We’re not going to give the cicadas any attention, I think they made their time in our area known.) Just thought I’d some photos snapped of the little green critters, plus the cocoon that appeared in the bug carrier overnight.

The frog on the door didn’t get the full treatment from the kids since he didn’t materialize until well after their bedtime. Nate was the one who spotted him before locking up for the night. I took the picture through the warbled glass door, in case you were wondering.

The turtle was a great find, under the swinging tree and it wasn’t until we Teagan looked him up that we realized he was very far from home. Nate and the kids took him to the creek later in the day. The unused fish bowl substituted for a pond until then. He was happy to leave us.

The caterpillars have all left us now, as have the moths they turned into. Unfortunately for one of them they picked the wrong night to turn into a cocoon. Vin actually took this in to school in the hopes that it’s metamorphosis could be watched and shared. Yeah, don’t think so, this is exactly how it looks today…and probably tomorrow.

Prompt #7

2011-06-08T14:44:00.001-05:00

Five Years by Corbett Barr

There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?

(Author: Corbett Barr)

Five years ago this time of the year…wow…first I’d say hang in there; don’t get the wonderful, lovely, unique, cute, comfortable Scion XB-your family is not done growing; and most importantly visit your Grandma Sneddy every chance you get.

The five years in the future me, was it all worth it?

Prompt #4, 5, and 6

2011-06-06T13:18:00.001-05:00

Sorry catching up from the weekend.

For more information about what the Prompt entries mean visit this site. #Trust30 30-day writing challenge from ralphwaldoemerson.me.

#4 Post-it Question by Jenny Blake

That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him. Where is the master who could have taught Shakespeare? Where is the master who could have instructed Franklin, or Washington, or Bacon, or Newton? . . . Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare. Do that which is assigned you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Identify one of your biggest challenges at the moment (ie I don’t feel passionate about my work) and turn it into a question (ie How can I do work I’m passionate about?) Write it on a post-it and put it up on your bathroom mirror or the back of your front door. After 48-hours, journal what answers came up for you and be sure to evaluate them. Bonus: tweet or blog a photo of your post-it. (Author: Jenny Blake)

My biggest challenge, motivation, self-control and discipline. Sorry can’t find a post-it :)

#5 Come Alive by Jonathan Mead

Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you had one week left to live, would you still be doing what you’re doing now? In what areas of your life are you preparing to live? Take them off your To Do list and add them to a To Stop list. Resolve to only do what makes you come alive. Bonus: How can your goals improve the present and not keep you in a perpetual “always something better” spiral? (Author: Jonathan Mead)

Easy they (my goals) could keep me busy giving life to all the ideas in my head instead of just thinking things through and then moving on to another brilliant idea instead of making the first one a reality.

#6 Dare to be bold by Matt Cheuvront

Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.

A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work

The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.

Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.

The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for? (Author: Matt Cheuvront)

I’ve always wanted to explore creative fields more and find ways to market and show my ‘art’ in whatever form it may be, written, crafted, etc. Honestly laziness has been in my way. I know it’ll take a lot of hard, self-motivated work and discipline and I’ve just put off for tomorrow what I know I should be doing today. I plan on making myself more accountable by voicing my goals so that others have expectations of me. I’m also working on a plan to take things one day at a time and not overwhelm myself with ideas that I feel need to be completed immediately.

Prompt #3

2011-06-02T11:56:00.001-05:00

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it? (Author: Buster Benson)

Hmm, this is a hard one. There are many ideas I stand behind that I know those close to me do not but there isn’t ONE thing in particular that I can think of so I’ll just go over the first one that popped into my head.

The Death Penalty. Um, I don’t want to be a murderer. When my tax dollars are used to put someone to death that puts the blood on my hands and the hands of my children. That is not acceptable and trying to convince yourself otherwise is delusional. We are not God, we do not get to choose who lives and who dies. Just because someone else took it upon themselves to end a life doesn’t mean we should too.

To support this belief I lend monetary support to organizations and agencies who work to end the death penalty.

Prompt #2

2011-06-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing. The force of character is cumulative. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

If ‘the voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tracks,’ then it is more genuine to be present today than to recount yesterdays. How would you describe today using only one sentence? Tell today’s sentence to one other person. Repeat each day. (Author: Liz Danzico)

With dirt under my nails, I kneaded the dough, thinking of a magic show.

*I didn’t mean for this to rhyme and I’m sorry I didn’t post yesterday’s prompt…sue me.

My How Things Have Changed

2011-06-01T11:49:00.001-05:00

When I was growing up on Army bases across this great country of ours we had playgrounds. Period. If you were lucky it was a newer one and not a circa 1960 model.Now, in addition to playgrounds there are splash parks, rock climbing walls, and entire community centers. Plus they have really nice bus stops. I’m so jealous. While Teagan is in his Theatre class the two little ones enjoy the fun.

Note: These pictures were from a couple of weeks ago, after talking with another Mom yesterday maybe it isn’t so great. She’s dealing with mice from a derelict townhouse connected with hers. Yuck.

The Races

2011-05-29T14:13:00.001-05:00

I’ve lived in my present community since 1988. In all that time I’ve never attended the races at the I-44 Speedway, just down the road, outside Lebanon, MO. It wasn’t a purposeful snub, I just never had an urge to go. My husband on the other hand, has wanted to take us for ages now. So, last night after a long day at the market and doing chores around the house we headed over.

Watching cars go around at a slow rate to try to get in the correct order, five to six times, is not very exciting. The noise level was worse than a concert and the smell, eww. Plus we were sitting on metal bleachers with storm clouds above us-I imagined our entire family getting wiped out with one strike of lightening.

All that said, it wasn’t that bad. Dare I admit, slightly enjoyable?

Esther can have fun dancing and prancing around anywhere and seemed to take enjoyment out of walking up and down the stairs as her bladder called to her about every 30 minutes. Teagan, well, he just wanted to get a Monster drink. Vin, here was the boy on a mission, at one point he started to go towards a gate that lead to the track because, “I wanna sit down there.” I tried to explain that it wasn’t safe for little kids to sit on the edges of the actual course. Then they announced autographs would be available during intermission. Say no more, he was on it!

Next time we’ll check out the view from the other side of the course, the “Wild Side.”

Kindergraduate

2011-05-24T10:06:00.001-05:00

Just this morning Vincent graduated Kindergarten. In the picture above he and his classmates were lining up to sing us a song.

Like those before him Vin, walked across the stage to shake hands with Mr. J and accept his diploma. I would’ve liked to have gotten a better picture but obviously my boy was on a mission. He didn’t stop moving. (p.s. that Miss Cornelison, his teacher, in the back…as Vin is always eager to tell everyone, I babysat her.)

He did stand with his fellow graduates for pictures to be taken. As you can tell he’s looking at what they’re doing instead of looking at the camera.

Now here is the reason he didn’t eat all his breakfast this morning and why he was excited about today’s event…cake. Of course he picked the piece with the most icing on it and of course he didn’t waste time getting it into his mouth.

Hey, at least he didn’t get any on his shirt.

Nate is the Shitake – the ake!

2011-05-23T09:23:00.001-05:00

This is the fence Nate built.

This is the fence Nate built with recycled materials!

This is the fence Nate built to keep those pesky chickens out of my gardens. Ain’t he awesome?