DIY paper pot

when you don't have a pot to put your newly found treasure in, you make one!

 

here's an easy diy paper pot.

 

- turn the paper bag inside out (i gently rolled it outward).

- depending on your plant size, fold the bag inward to the desired height.

- have some fun painting it whatever color(s) you desire.

 

 

 

DIY: Tassle Socks

my constantly, crying, baby Reed gives me only a few minutes to do anything creative. when i get the craft bug i quickly have to create something before i easily become frustrated with an idea. since i can't sit in front of my sewing machine--which i desperately desire--i reach for simple diy projects that muster up creative juices and yet keeps me close to baby.

ta-da!!!

Food

I often crave homemade hummus and homemade pita chips. For awhile, I was making hummus whenever the previous batch ran out! I had to cut back just a tad bit. We usually pair ours with broccoli and bell peppers, yum!

Found the recipes from here and here.

1. Decide on a vase you want to decorate.

2. Use tape to make straight rows-like painters tape or any that don't leave any sticky residue.

3. Use a permanent marker that works well on glass and make sure the shading is to your liking.

4. Decorate in between rows (due to the shape of my vase, my mustaches decreased in size as I drew towards base).

5. Remove tape and use for freshly cut flowers or a nice succulent--or whatever you like :)

Election 2012

As I was preparing to vote, the kids asked if they could. I explained the process and the legal age to. I read my friend's Ruby post, on her mock election, and I knew I had to jack her idea and do the same thing! It was a great teaching moment and we brushed up on Rock's Presidential memorization (all 44 of them!) from last year. 

The kids had so much fun and were excited to see PJ and I vote at the polls near our home (we walked in our mail in ballots). We let Rock stay up and talked to him about the outcome and what that means for us as a Nation. We talked about how to pray for our President and how he can, Lord willing, vote when he is 18years old. He was still a little upset he couldn't take his ballot into the polls so it can be counted :)

Dr. Albert Mohler had great insights (near the end of his podcast) on how to speak to our children in light of a Christian worldview. 

 

 

The kids made their very own "Rock the Vote" buttons. Whatever happened to that?

Surprise!

A few months ago, the girls and I went birthday shopping for Key at H&M. Every time we go there, Key wants everything in the little girl section, naturally. This day was no exception. "Mommy, can you buy me this?" happened at least 50 times. As I try to be a smart shopper, I have to weigh things out--is it necessary, useful, on sale, can we wait, etc. 

The previous time there, she begged for hair accessories, which I bought her, thinking this would be a good buy since she'll actually wear them--wrong. She only wears them when she and Story play princess at home. I try getting her to wear them out, but they usually come off in the car. 

OK, so next time I'll be a smart buyer, at least in theory :) So this time, she asked for a cute, Hello Kitty wallet. She's never had a wallet, but Rock does (she reminded me of this). I thought about it, but then concluded "I'll just make one!" Call me a cheap skate, but I told her no, and that I would make her one. With trying to keep my word, this is my novice, Hello Kitty wallet project. Lots of mistakes but she doesn't care.

Cut, layered, and sewed...

 Made a Hello Kitty design then sewed onto homemade wallet

 attached velcro and hand sewed little clip buttons 

 I made a fabric lining on the outside, to cover up the stitching of the velcro. I cut, sewed, turned inside out...

  then attached the fabric.

Fabric glued the tiny nose.

 Then, voila!

Why is Story closing her eyes? It ain't for her!

She was so happy that sang a 10 minute song, she made up, about her wallet! It was so cute! I love her!

DIY shoe clips

What you'll need:

fabric (to cut out 30-40 quarter size circles)

needle (I use a quilt needle)

thread (I use crochet thread, it's thicker)

2 Felt cicles, desired size (the darker the better in case they easily dirty)

clips

Technique (sorry no pics):

Place 1 circle on top of felt,

 pull thread through back of circle/felt fabric, then back out. Circle should look puckered. Continue this technique, placing circles around the felt, and making it look puckered. No need to cut thread, until you're completely finished. On the other felt circle, attach clip towards outer circle, then attach two felt circles by threading the outer circles together (this technique). 

Then place on any shoe you like!

DIY: Poncho

Being on a budget sometimes pushes me to make things that are easy. I'm not the greatest seamstress but when something looks easy, I just gotta try. I made this non sew poncho. I'm not a fan of the fabric design, but I just needed something to try my idea out on. It turned out good. I'll have to try again with a likable design.

(image taken here)

Chicken Mango Curry

Chicken (1lb)

Bell peppers (2-3)

1 Big mango (very ripe)

Salt, garlic salt, and Knorr chicken bouillon

Cut up chicken, mango and bell peppers together in bowl and season to liking . Pour olive oil in sauce pan and mix chicken ingredients. Cover with lid, watch and stir occasionally. Should begin to look like a curry. Cook until chicken is done and bell peppers are soft.

Eat with brown rice and enjoy!

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Lived a captive Princess...

 Princess Leia

"A wise one he is" Yoda

   And one who would change the galaxy for good, Luke Skywalker

A force to be reckoned with!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The crew with Padme (Anakin Skywalker's mommy)

 A fun time at Shatto Recreation Center! We were so grateful for those CrossView people who helped out and sacrificed time to be a blessing to Shatto families and workers. Grace be with you all!

It was SO much fun making these costumes for the kids (do-it-yourself can really be fun)! They really enjoyed wearing them around the house and using their imagination to battle the Black Star.

Of course lets not forget why we (Christians) should remember October 31st and the importance of it--Martin Luther, and him being the fire starter to the Reformation! Talk about a world wide, life changer :)