tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36958471123788129012024-03-13T12:14:24.728-07:00Learning to be meRoeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-46252016971764624502012-10-17T21:33:00.000-07:002012-10-17T21:33:07.834-07:00little confessionI consider myself a DIYer. I feel a certain feeling of accomplishment and pride when I enhance my house with little projects to show my personality. I have been very stunted in this department lately. I feel very overwhelmed on my own trying to accomplish it all. I have gone as far as completely avoiding all my projects, maybe they will all do it themselves! Well I have a nasty confession <br />
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<i>I just hired someone to finish all the projects around the house I started and never finished before Soldier boy left. I feel a little guilty.</i> <br />
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Somehow it has liberated me!<br />
Made me want to tackle the smaller projects I want to do with the kids, projects to decorate for the holidays. Installing crown molding, putting up baton board and finishing the master bath by myself, just it's a project I could comprehend. I am excited to see how it all turns out! Less than 200 days until we have to pack up and get out of here. I need to get the house in tip top order before Soldier boy comes back and we put the house up on the market. Now those project holding me back are someone else's job. I can spend the evening molding clay, painting burlap, and making jewelry with the kids, without feeling guilty that I should be doing this or that- someone else is doing it for me! Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-81459657071504210012012-05-15T21:27:00.005-07:002012-05-15T21:33:17.867-07:00Our Deployment Counter<br />
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It's that time again! We kissed our favorite soldier boy goodbye for a while.<br />
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We had a pretty decent first week. I was a bit surprised! BUT then day one of week two hit. The kids had their first bad day! The older two got in trouble at school and the other two were just ornery. I needed something to change their attitudes and help them cope.<br />
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I had seen many different count down calendars that I thought we could do. My problem with count down calendars are I lose track, weeks/days/months it works for a time or two but I would be counting every time the remaining chain, marble, Hershey Kisses. It would be overwhelming for me. Not to mention the initial time put into it I just didn't have the energy. They focus on a future date which in the army is never certain! <br />
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I really wanted something exciting, and uplifting. I'd done enough yelling, I wanted something to build them up, to have fun. Something my kids couldn't fight over. Something everyone was involved in. As I made my kids clean there rooms while I made dinner I was inspired. I knew just the thing for us.<br />
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We normally have a family night on Mondays. Our soldier left on a Monday. So we had our first family celebration party! The kids loved it! We celebrated surviving a week without daddy. I shared my coveted nine months supply of brownies my soldier boy left me with (SERIOUSLY BEST ANNIVERSARY PRESENT EVER!). We had ice cream and we talked about the things we did and wanted to do the following week.<br />
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A friend of mine had pinned journaling cards on Pinterest. I printed a few off and we wrote down the fun things we did that we wanted to share with daddy, each person got to add what they remembered. Later I had him email me a brief rundown of what he did and wrote it on the back. Our goal is to write one card every Monday and our soldier boy will contribute when he has internet access. When we are all done this deployment we will show daddy how we celebrated each week and then read thru our ups and downs. A way to celebrate our successes and acknowledge our failures and rough times.<br />
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My kids love it! They plan the meal for the following week's party at
the end of our family celebration, they discuss all week long how they
want to celebrate. I got off easy this week with Hamburgers and fries
with ice cream as a treat. I am sure their requests will get more
elaborate as time goes on. <br />
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<br />Here is our deployment COUNT UP board.<br />
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I had an old board we used as a desk top, just a 1x16 piece of pine
that I had wrapped in batting and muslin. We found some patriotic
material in my stash and quickly rewrapped it securing the material with
a staple gun. The three older kids each picked a title and they
designed a simple banner for the top that we just pinned on with stick
pins. I found a few links for journal cards I printed them off (from <a href="http://sweetlyscrappedart.blogspot.com/2012/01/printable-library-style-journaling.html#axzz1htshPBlz">HERE</a>). <br />
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Two weeks down! Lots more to go...</div>
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</div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-32048264126194059592012-04-18T20:27:00.003-07:002012-04-18T21:08:33.936-07:00Wedding giftLife has gotten in the way of blogging these days. That doesn't mean I haven't been adding to my project pile and occasionally finishing one! I hope next month will provide me with a little bit of time to add a few more posts, and finish a few more projects.<br /><br />In February we were able to attend a friends wedding. While talking to a group of friends about what to get the sweet couple, it was pretty evident that cash was always a good option but something fun, out of the ordinary and home made was best suited for our dear friend. Something that I put a little effort into, something that was unique, something that said I thought of you.<br /><br />I came across the Dating Divas site and found the absolute perfect gift to make! <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/tara/the-perfect-wedding-gift/">(click here to see original)</a> I modified it to my liking and the available supplies. I think I will be making more of these in the future. These tins are so easy to make. I thought, this would be a great gift to give my girls at youth group when they start dating, or this summer make one with boredom blunder ideas, or maybe conversation topics for our drive to Canada this summer.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UYzuCb-UIo/T4-LFUu8AII/AAAAAAAAFQw/K9nwLZJbPVc/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UYzuCb-UIo/T4-LFUu8AII/AAAAAAAAFQw/K9nwLZJbPVc/s320/IMG_3898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732953774247116930" border="0" /></a>I printed their design in grey scale on my printer, on my choice of card stock so it would better match the colors I wanted to use. I also used <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/tara/the-perfect-wedding-gift/">their link</a> to fill the box with date ideas and I added a few of my own. Originally I planned on attaching corresponding gift certificates with certain date ideas but then life happened and I never had time to collect the necessary certificates, so I just added some cash to help create some of these fun ideas, or to do as they saw fit.<br /><br />They had some of the cutest center pieces. I have made photo blocks before but they didn't turn out this cute! (Of course the photo doesn't do them justice! but take my word for it they were gorgeous)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOpJQaCSfAM/T4-LF3AvArI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/4i0fZ8X5f5o/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOpJQaCSfAM/T4-LF3AvArI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/4i0fZ8X5f5o/s320/IMG_3937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732953783448568498" border="0" /></a>Thanks A and S for inviting us to have such a fabulous time. Lots of good memories!Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-63627949694807381942012-01-17T20:34:00.001-08:002012-01-18T21:19:01.347-08:00Refashions part 2<div style="text-align: center;">First off I have decided to rename my youngest whom I refer to here as "Ape Baby". She is no longer my baby :-( She is growing up way too fast. She has graduated from the baby stage, so keeping with the same theme but a more mature name, I will refer to her as Monkey Girl from now on.<br />So back to my refashion...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkBGaLL89cI/TxZiEJ4a1bI/AAAAAAAAFNA/KirFDcvuBMA/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkBGaLL89cI/TxZiEJ4a1bI/AAAAAAAAFNA/KirFDcvuBMA/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698850201995498930" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My second refashion of the week was for Monkey girl. This skirt was super easy! Nothing too special or out of the ordinary, but we preserved "the pants" for a while longer.<br /><br />Now if I can just get her to keep clothes on longer than 20minutes we will be good.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQDOGKsltGk/TxZiD9HprXI/AAAAAAAAFM0/FoecvIYmRg4/s1600/IMG_3477.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQDOGKsltGk/TxZiD9HprXI/AAAAAAAAFM0/FoecvIYmRg4/s320/IMG_3477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698850198569725298" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Under my Flittering butterfly's instruction she is trying to pose for the shot LOL<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5ZCHz-bsA4/TxZiDROA1eI/AAAAAAAAFMo/JB8Kta9ScVo/s1600/IMG_3473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5ZCHz-bsA4/TxZiDROA1eI/AAAAAAAAFMo/JB8Kta9ScVo/s320/IMG_3473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698850186785248738" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">No that lip balm is "mine"! One of the few words she has down really good!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So My husband has a very select few pairs of pants he loves. It is hard to find him clothes, he is so picky, and believe me looks have <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">nothing</span> to do with it! It is all about feel.<br />These were one of those pair of pants. They just hit the end of their life, rips and tears everywhere.<br />I loved how the knee frayed. A detail I wanted to preserve in the refashion.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to use it as the bottom of the pants but her waist/thighs were too big to just use the bottom part of the jean so I had to use the fray as the waist.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FVINtJDSpo/TxZQK4PgrDI/AAAAAAAAFLU/K5XCbag4INc/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FVINtJDSpo/TxZQK4PgrDI/AAAAAAAAFLU/K5XCbag4INc/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698830526310296626" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is just ripped the rest of the front all the way across then cut the back part as the grains rarely match up and end up rather uneven if I were to rip it too. I measured how long I wanted it and cut the base of my skirt.<br />I cut a 10" section off. 8" for length and 2"for the waste band.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZD5CC9xp7M/TxZQLGC_CVI/AAAAAAAAFLg/o2WuIwH5CI8/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZD5CC9xp7M/TxZQLGC_CVI/AAAAAAAAFLg/o2WuIwH5CI8/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698830530015856978" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I then measured her waist and subtracted the length of the front panel on the soon to be skirt.<br />The front section is always a bit bigger than the back section.<br />Her waist measured 18" and the front of the skirt measured just under 9.5".<br />18"-9.5"=8.5"<br />That was the length I cut my elastic for the back of the skirt.<br />In hind sight I would probably shave off another 1" of the elastic as it doesn't hug her waist too well if she is wearing big girl panties (its not an issue with a diaper/pull-up, it fits perfectly).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai0QhVQEAII/TxZQMWsXlJI/AAAAAAAAFME/LehWOguB524/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai0QhVQEAII/TxZQMWsXlJI/AAAAAAAAFME/LehWOguB524/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698830551664268434" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I measured about 2" down from the top and pinned the elastic to the back panel on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">outside</span> of the material.<br />One pin on each side and one in the middle.<br />I sewed it to one side of the back, just up and down, then to the other side. Then I stretched it out and sewed straight across the top twice to secure it in place<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgFeI2uXln4/TxZe-eY7T_I/AAAAAAAAFMQ/9CyhOZuxTPA/s1600/IMG_3466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgFeI2uXln4/TxZe-eY7T_I/AAAAAAAAFMQ/9CyhOZuxTPA/s320/IMG_3466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698846805886455794" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I fold the top panel over to encase the elastic, leaving that beautiful fray exposed.<br />I sewed along the top as close as I could get to the edge and then again around the bottom about 1/4" up allowing my fray to happen over time.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIlySCCkVcU/TxZQLftzU_I/AAAAAAAAFLs/FgALQacFhwE/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIlySCCkVcU/TxZQLftzU_I/AAAAAAAAFLs/FgALQacFhwE/s320/IMG_3459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698830536906331122" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I then took some scrap jersey I had lying around and cut a 2" wide strips of about 4' long.<br />I sewed a gather stitch at the top of the jersey and made the ruffles happen.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PPxJxtB3YQ/TxZQL9edDBI/AAAAAAAAFL4/tlMIiGUi8MY/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PPxJxtB3YQ/TxZQL9edDBI/AAAAAAAAFL4/tlMIiGUi8MY/s320/IMG_3461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698830544895020050" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I ran my fingers across the bottom portion of my skirt pulling threads encouraging a good start to a fray.<br />I then pinned the ruffle to the inside of the bottom of my skirt with the pins on the outside. My machine is a few years old. I like the top portion of my stitches better than the bottom, so I made sure the nicer stitch would be on the outside. I sewed around it twice to secure it in place. One stitch only 1/4" above the other.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISVVrmbGrbA/TxZiEkHtVSI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/d0BzFvc7owU/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISVVrmbGrbA/TxZiEkHtVSI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/d0BzFvc7owU/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698850209038947618" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There you have it! A lot of words for something so simple.<br />I love it! No Hemming, all rough edges, and "the Jeans" see another day!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep9gT36uFjY/TxZiDCY8Y4I/AAAAAAAAFMc/ZBMtka6HfUM/s1600/IMG_3469.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep9gT36uFjY/TxZiDCY8Y4I/AAAAAAAAFMc/ZBMtka6HfUM/s320/IMG_3469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698850182804562818" border="0" /></a>The top of the thigh naturally curves in a bit as it hits the knee making a perfect A-line shape when turned upside down!<br />Another UFO out of my closet.<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-13084472289738328772012-01-17T18:38:00.000-08:002012-01-17T20:34:05.446-08:00Refashions Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">We spent the weekend decluttering 2/3rds of the house, we sorted our unwanteds for donation and craigslist/yardsale. With a clean house, and a more simplistic feel of things I felt inspired to create today, amazing how that is. I hurriedly cleaned a few more things to get a head of things, and got things set up for an afternoon of creating.<br /><br />I have a box of UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) in my closet, much bigger than I like to admit. Everything in the box (and on top) has a specific destiny, I just need to finish them. I hope to work my way thru the entire box within the next few months while the soldier boy is away.<br /><br />Today I tackled two projects, I just reached for what was on top. A skirt for each of the girls.<br /><br />I started with My Flittering butterflies'. I was given this shirt but it never fit, and the color never really worked with my complexion. My oldest loved it. She asked if I/she could do something with it for her. A ten minute project!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkezxa7fwww/TxY7_EbAd4I/AAAAAAAAFKc/5_6mZbBINpY/s1600/DSC00635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkezxa7fwww/TxY7_EbAd4I/AAAAAAAAFKc/5_6mZbBINpY/s320/DSC00635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698808333188757378" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took the shirt and laid it out as straight as I could, then drew a line across the gathered bust area.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_oyUfO7qGM/TxY7_wfbm1I/AAAAAAAAFKk/NgIbHn7AQJg/s1600/DSC00636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_oyUfO7qGM/TxY7_wfbm1I/AAAAAAAAFKk/NgIbHn7AQJg/s320/DSC00636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698808345018473298" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I sewed the layers in place, then cut the top off.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNtndpyt3s4/TxY8ACEHwCI/AAAAAAAAFKw/yD5QVMHEeK8/s1600/DSC00637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNtndpyt3s4/TxY8ACEHwCI/AAAAAAAAFKw/yD5QVMHEeK8/s320/DSC00637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698808349735764002" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I then sewed on bias tape adding the elastic as I went (so much easier than trying to feed it in later. I simply just pin the start end in place and as a sew line everything up encasing the elastic perfectly). Done! I just had to wait for My filltering Butterfly to come home to make sure the elastic was tight enough and sewed the elastic together and closed the little inch gap. Sorry no pictures, the camera died.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNY2IG9f4TY/TxY-xFq7vvI/AAAAAAAAFK8/tstb_YP-rN0/s1600/IMG_3514.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNY2IG9f4TY/TxY-xFq7vvI/AAAAAAAAFK8/tstb_YP-rN0/s320/IMG_3514.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698811391540707058" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She loves it!! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6QWYR273-k/TxY-xS93PoI/AAAAAAAAFLM/MPcQbCTXZM4/s1600/IMG_3526.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6QWYR273-k/TxY-xS93PoI/AAAAAAAAFLM/MPcQbCTXZM4/s320/IMG_3526.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698811395109764738" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I might fix up the layers up front a bit more so they lay better simply by tacking them at the top, but for now its good enough for me, why be OCD about it.<br />I'll have to try for better picture of it. The girls were rather excited and I had some awesome dance music going in the background, they wouldn't stand still for more than a few seconds at a time, plus I was letting them dance on the table, when does a mom ever let you do that?!<br /><br />This is my girls favorite music video these days. Who can stand still while listening to this?!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S2APZN9FJNY?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S2APZN9FJNY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="315" width="560"></embed></object></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-4128508839982895612011-12-19T15:32:00.000-08:002011-12-22T21:28:49.416-08:00Children's Christmas video<div style="text-align: center;">My kids love kid history!! If you haven't seen it you must check them out on YouTube. My kids love these videos and can quote them word for word!</div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0AvzaGkekDE" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /></div></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-40385293509143097262011-12-17T06:47:00.000-08:002011-12-18T15:32:31.267-08:00Christmas Printables<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am a bit embarrassed to admit, I have had picture frames up in the front entrance way for well over six months now waiting for pictures to be put in them. I just never got around to ordering the right pictures to fill them up. That has changed. The first thing you see as you walk into my house will no longer be six empty frames and two side ways pictures hanging on the wall!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yotKkkAa-0w/Tu53atRByqI/AAAAAAAAFIU/7S0DdJptTBk/s320/DSC00505.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687614680126835362" /><div style="text-align: center;">(Sorry for the crappy pictures I keep forgetting to take pictures during the day)</div><div>I did not fill them with pictures, because ours are now outdated and I just refuse to hang the old ones, as cute as they are... I really need to get new family photos in the new year!!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7pHeu7SdHA/Tu53aBywcVI/AAAAAAAAFII/pdq5Vj5JfNE/s320/DSC00503.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687614668457144658" />But for the temporary fix this will do. I removed two of the frames which made a difference in the lay out. I love it! (I really need to start taking befor and after pictures.)<br /><br />I found these printables here<br />top<br />1.<a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/holiday/christmas-goodies-week-art-print/"> Jones Design Company</a> love that I could add a few scriptural Christ centered ones to the wall<br />2.<a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2011/11/go-mama-monday-christmas-printables.html"> Polkadots on Parade</a><br />3. For the life of me I can't find the link. UGH! Really thought I bookmarked them all.<br />4. <a href="http://adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-scripture-word-tree-printable.html">Betty Crocker Wannabe<br /></a>bottom<br />1. & 2. <a href="http://lovefromhome7.blogspot.com/2011/11/tis-season.html">Love from home</a><br />I used the making a list and sleigh bells ones</div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-45883639569229371222011-12-14T23:46:00.000-08:002011-12-15T00:29:00.088-08:00Teachers Christmas giftsThis year I decided to let the kids help with teacher gifts. I tried to think of something they could make and be proud of yet something the teacher would like (coming from a 5, 6, and 10yr old).<br /><br />After a bit of discussion they all picked something to add to the teacher bags.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">They wanted my simple nativity, <a href="http://learning-to-b-me.blogspot.com/2010/12/neighbour-gifts.html">faux nog</a> (since all their teachers and their aides loved it last year. My favorite is 1-2Tbsp Faux nog, 1/2 crushed ice and 1cp milk blended with the magic bullet. It is so frothy and delicious), flavored hot cocoa, and dipped pretzels, Oreos, and marshmallows in a mug.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQNAWKwTbzs/TumsJjuy55I/AAAAAAAAFEw/j11Z7Nkzjv8/s1600/IMG_3028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQNAWKwTbzs/TumsJjuy55I/AAAAAAAAFEw/j11Z7Nkzjv8/s320/IMG_3028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686265284742277010" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lil' Mr Emo mixing some faux nog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62YZk7PU0aA/TumtuW3gq1I/AAAAAAAAFFI/5HaDd-_yFzI/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62YZk7PU0aA/TumtuW3gq1I/AAAAAAAAFFI/5HaDd-_yFzI/s320/IMG_3427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686267016455957330" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids loved dipping their pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos on a stick in chocolate and almond bark then decorating them with sprinkles! We had a few neighborhood kids that joined in on the fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11K5EhB4J7Q/TumttTA2fMI/AAAAAAAAFFA/3wRiNIjGK4A/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11K5EhB4J7Q/TumttTA2fMI/AAAAAAAAFFA/3wRiNIjGK4A/s320/IMG_3425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686266998241524930" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am not sure if there is more sprinkles on the pretzels or my floor at the moment, but they make some good memories and a slight sugar high.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsJGeV-Ktk0/TumtvxP22VI/AAAAAAAAFFU/gR2JeI3Id7M/s1600/IMG_3433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsJGeV-Ktk0/TumtvxP22VI/AAAAAAAAFFU/gR2JeI3Id7M/s320/IMG_3433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686267040717265234" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every counter in my kitchen is a staging area for some part of tomorrow. This counter is being used to assemble goodie bags for a class party tomorrow. Best be off to bed so I can wake a bit earlier than normal to clean up after all this mess and get these things all packed up and ready to deliver tomorrow AM.<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-1584753540060412642011-12-12T07:38:00.000-08:002011-12-12T07:38:00.208-08:00We seek after these things...Our youths theme for this past year was<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">We believe in being honest</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, true, chaste</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, benevolent</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, virtuous, and in doing </span><span style="font-style: italic;">good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to </span><span style="font-style: italic;">endure all things. If there is anything virtuous</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.</span><br /><br />At the end of every year several of the congregations in the area get together and celebrate all the things the girls have accomplished. Each congregation is given a table to display some of their girls accomplishments or to spotlight the girls.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WA8IfgNnmO0/TuF6c59aoEI/AAAAAAAAFEY/3itJe4CtSHk/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WA8IfgNnmO0/TuF6c59aoEI/AAAAAAAAFEY/3itJe4CtSHk/s320/IMG_3230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683958841731620930" border="0" /></a>This year we put some of our humanitarian quilts and then we made a craft to display that went along with this years theme. I found <a href="http://undermypolkadotumbrella.blogspot.com/2011/02/we-seek-after-these-things.html">this on a blog</a> someone shared with me.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38_R7GfjkCs/TuFwuNlvmtI/AAAAAAAAFDE/j2WPX4F8M2o/s1600/we%2Bseek%2Bafter%2Bthese%2Bthings%2B003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38_R7GfjkCs/TuFwuNlvmtI/AAAAAAAAFDE/j2WPX4F8M2o/s320/we%2Bseek%2Bafter%2Bthese%2Bthings%2B003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683948143942539986" border="0" /></a><br />the girls personalized them. They turned out so cute!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Xobf73mts/TuF0MyFzhJI/AAAAAAAAFEA/vqbSeqWMLR0/s1600/IMG_3164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Xobf73mts/TuF0MyFzhJI/AAAAAAAAFEA/vqbSeqWMLR0/s320/IMG_3164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683951967671649426" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OTF5j05zoc/TuF0LdJP_aI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/gbBeqqQXBu8/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OTF5j05zoc/TuF0LdJP_aI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/gbBeqqQXBu8/s320/IMG_3159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683951944869084578" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eA0CS90fU6M/TuF0LiquXUI/AAAAAAAAFDc/yEUi-o4kVyo/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eA0CS90fU6M/TuF0LiquXUI/AAAAAAAAFDc/yEUi-o4kVyo/s320/IMG_3161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683951946351664450" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vl1gVkmEJFI/TuF0MONTtwI/AAAAAAAAFDo/5zyVMHi-YeU/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vl1gVkmEJFI/TuF0MONTtwI/AAAAAAAAFDo/5zyVMHi-YeU/s320/IMG_3162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683951958039443202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQGrv1gjaRo/TuF0McVWnQI/AAAAAAAAFD0/-P7IlObMmvA/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQGrv1gjaRo/TuF0McVWnQI/AAAAAAAAFD0/-P7IlObMmvA/s320/IMG_3163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683951961831283970" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(sorry just couldn't get these two photos to turn!)<br />I cut some vinyl and then printed some swirls clipart I found. We transferred the swirls by scribbling with a pencil all over the back of the page and then tracing them onto the wood. We colored them in with sharpies and then added the vinyl.<br />We adhered the pictures with spray adhesive (WAY EASIER THAN MOD PODGE!! and there were no bubbles.) then we applied to coats of Mod Podge.<br /></div><br />Side note- have you seen this before? It's my new favorite thing!! SPRAY MOD PODGE (glossy, not a big fan of the matte) coupled with spray adhesive of course! Thinking of buying Wal-mart out and giving it to everyone I know for Christmas.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-810i49BAlxk/TuF5BzVu6WI/AAAAAAAAFEM/ivfOHDDWkUw/s1600/2eTk1.SlMa.81.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-810i49BAlxk/TuF5BzVu6WI/AAAAAAAAFEM/ivfOHDDWkUw/s320/2eTk1.SlMa.81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683957276586469730" border="0" /></a>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-60479894975713087192011-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-10T07:42:38.253-08:00Butternut Squash soup<div style="text-align: center;">It has cold off something fierce here. I love fall/winter and the excuse to make yummy warm soups.<br /><br />Last week we made Butternut squash soup. I love butternut squash! I was so excited this morning to find butternut squash in my bountiful basket. I had this post scheduled for Monday, but decided this was a wonderful excuse to rearrange posts and share now.<br /><br />I found this <a href="http://conradvisionquest.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/butternut-squash-soup-recipe/">recipe</a> last year, I altered it a bit. Last week I made enough to freeze for three family meals and a half dozen lunch size portions. I'll scale the recipe down for I family size serving (5-6cps).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">1 Butternut squash (the ones we got in our basket were a bit smaller than the ones I usually use, I used two big ones when I tripled the recipe)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2.5-3cps chicken broth (depends on how thick you like it, the thicker then better in my opinion)<br />1/3-1/2cup onions, chopped (or 1/3cps dehydrated onions reconstituted)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2cloves of garlic<br />2-3tsp curry powder ( I love curry so the more the better for me)<br />1tsp nutmeg<br />1tsp ginger<br />Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to garnish<br /><br />Cut squash lengthwise in half and remove the seeds<br />Bake squash at 400F until you can push a fork thru easily (about 60-75min)<br />Cool and Peel the baked squash. We found this works well with a simple pairing knife. We turned the squash flat side down and used my handy little pampered chef pairing knife.<br />Cut the squash into 2" chunks<br />Put everything into your a large pot and use your hand plunge blender thingy to blend it all together (or carefully use a blender. I never have any luck using a blender and hot items I always get burned).<br />Heat thru on the stove top and garnish to taste with sour cream or yogurt.<br /><br />DELICIOUS!!<br /></div></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-43291543244733223072011-12-07T20:29:00.000-08:002011-12-07T21:47:05.836-08:00Christ centered ChristmasIt is quite the topic this year-Christ centered Christmas!<br /><br />I am not ready to "kill" Santa Claus for my kids, but I like the idea of educating them about the original St Nikolaus. I only have one Santa decoration and it reminds me of our days in Germany so I am not going to put it away.<br /><br />I love to give. I love to give my kids gifts, but Christmas isn't about gifts. I need to be more focused on educating my kids on where gift giving started, and remind my kids it isn't about getting it is all about receiving. We have decided to let each kid pick a random act of kindness and spend the week befor Christmas serving others to better remind them its all about giving.<br /><br />I own quite a few nativities (something I inherited from my mother). Every year we add another one to our collection. Some big, some breakable others are small or durable enough to survive being played with daily. Christ is well represented in out home around this season. They know the story of Jesus and have daily reminders of his humble beginning.<br /><br />This year I have wanted to make <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/12/joy-of-red.html">this craft</a> since I first saw it back in November sometime, but have yet the energy to focus on it. I had no really connection with the word JOY so I kind of put it off as a "if I have time" project. I think I will be making it this weekend with the kids!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/12/joy-of-red.html"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-qR_kaMtqU/TuBDilCQxXI/AAAAAAAAFCU/toDVbb-gHSk/s320/001_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683616991077778802" border="0" /></a>Our youth group had an assignment to do a service project tonight that wouldn't take too long and I was looking for a lesson to teach the girls on the importance of service and let them know how proud I was of them for all they have done this past month in service. As I trolled the internet I came across this <a href="http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=705&Itemid=200037">site and found a lesson on J.O.Y.</a> (its the fifth little dot down). I loved it! I think the girls enjoyed it. And I am thinking I am talking to my kids about it come family night!<br />Here's the idea...<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">J is for Jesus</span>. He had a purpose here on earth no one else could fill! He lived and died for us. I went into a little more detail then we watched this video clip<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9ddXNF29goo" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">O is for others</span>. It is a time for service and time to focus on others. There never is an easier time to find ways to serve. A time to give back. Give Christ the gift of service, find every possible way to do small random acts of kindness this holiday season. I spoke of how they more than willingly spend money on making holiday meals tonight for shut ins and elderly people in our congregation, how they made 90 quilts for a homeless shelter for Christmas, how they jump to serve every time I ask them to. It is that service that builds up and strengthens others, that makes a difference in the world, that is the Saviors work here on this earth.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Y is for you</span>. "YOU?" you ask. Yes YOU! Not you as in what you want, not as in you time but You as in taking the time to reflect on your own testimony of the Savior. Recommit. Accept his message and build up your personal understanding of who Christ was/is and what his teachings are. Accept him into your life, not just when you are going thru a trial or are extremely overjoyed, but everyday in everything good or bad or just because.<br /><br />After our lesson I had the girls cut out <a href="http://mycomputerismycanvas.blogspot.com/2010/12/friday-freebie-joy-bulb-banner.html">some of these</a> to hang as a banner or as Christmas decorations to remind them of the true reason for the season. We cut out the balls and hung them with grosgrain ribbon.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj2poVqc1zc/TuBI__ctQlI/AAAAAAAAFCg/KD3Bo_N9C8Y/s1600/CC---POST-Christmas-Banner-007-JOY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj2poVqc1zc/TuBI__ctQlI/AAAAAAAAFCg/KD3Bo_N9C8Y/s320/CC---POST-Christmas-Banner-007-JOY.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683622993942364754" border="0" /></a> I printed off <a href="http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/6914/tania-wildheart.blogspot.com/2011/10/friday-freebie-joy-bunting-flag.html">these ones</a><a href="http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/6914/tania-wildheart.blogspot.com/2011/10/friday-freebie-joy-bunting-flag.html"> </a>and hung them in my kitchen as my own personal reminder.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhD5uOZrOpg/TuBJyUK6LDI/AAAAAAAAFC4/h3NMDlkqTow/s1600/joy%2Bbunting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhD5uOZrOpg/TuBJyUK6LDI/AAAAAAAAFC4/h3NMDlkqTow/s320/joy%2Bbunting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683623858498317362" border="0" /></a>I may not have it all together but I am certainly going to focus more on educating and talking about Christ with my little ones this year. I am going to find every opportunity to serve others big or small. I am going to recommit myself to being a better disciple of Christ. I am going to find JOY this year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-56090620348897614252011-11-26T14:07:00.000-08:002011-11-30T11:07:53.113-08:00My sisters visitBeen MIA but definitely not idle! Moving from one project to another befor finishing any of them up. Hopefully I will have more to report in the near future. I certainly have a Honey-help-me-do list a mile long!<br /><br />My baby sister came to celebrate my birthday with me this year. She and her little man spent three fabulous weeks with us. As always I put her to work ;-) It's how we bond.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD9jb1UGzUU/TtFobMRW6lI/AAAAAAAAFCI/XWPdfIBaFBE/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD9jb1UGzUU/TtFobMRW6lI/AAAAAAAAFCI/XWPdfIBaFBE/s320/IMG_3098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679435421450693202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She sewed several quilts for me and my Young Woman's youth group. We are up to 66 of 80! WAHOO! Hope to complete the last 14 this week.<br />Thanks Baby Sis!<br /><br />Side Note:<br />So bountiful baskets is pretty new in our area. I had to try them out. AWESOME! Look them up if you dont know what they are <a href="http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/">bountifulbaskets.org</a><br />While my lil sis was here I ordered 90Lbs of apples and 25Lbs of Tomatoes thru them. Once again I put her to work.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mC33luoK7Yo/TtFnUv_VoiI/AAAAAAAAFBw/L9EZcW0oxJw/s1600/IMG_2971.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mC33luoK7Yo/TtFnUv_VoiI/AAAAAAAAFBw/L9EZcW0oxJw/s320/IMG_2971.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679434211268076066" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We made apple pie filling, apple sauce, apple butter, frozen apple crisp, apple chips, and salsa<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf1CJnw-Wvk/TtFmSX3ZjOI/AAAAAAAAFBY/haEVt47E7z0/s1600/IMG_2631.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf1CJnw-Wvk/TtFmSX3ZjOI/AAAAAAAAFBY/haEVt47E7z0/s320/IMG_2631.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679433070920961250" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little gadget was my best friend!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h1TjfHhwfY/TtFmR5h_ybI/AAAAAAAAFBM/Dmj6EBFJrQY/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h1TjfHhwfY/TtFmR5h_ybI/AAAAAAAAFBM/Dmj6EBFJrQY/s320/IMG_2767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679433062778128818" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Having never made salsa befor and wanting it chunky was rather interesting. It took us two batches and we still didn't get it right. But add a little hot sauce and it is perfect for me, my kids like it as is. It is definitely better than anything bought at the store.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtGkqOmscD4/TtFmRjwMVuI/AAAAAAAAFA8/KAql8JoLw-A/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtGkqOmscD4/TtFmRjwMVuI/AAAAAAAAFA8/KAql8JoLw-A/s320/IMG_2772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679433056932091618" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I over estimated on the number of onions we would need for salsa (yes 5-3Lb bags is too much LOL), my Little Sis found ways to use them up. As I cut and froze a few bags, she diced a few for some yummy french onion soup. Delicious!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88d2Kyx4sHE/TtFmSoTwaUI/AAAAAAAAFBg/1mWoVBC-9VI/s1600/IMG_2620.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88d2Kyx4sHE/TtFmSoTwaUI/AAAAAAAAFBg/1mWoVBC-9VI/s320/IMG_2620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679433075334867266" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My lil ape baby got in on helping out.<br />Yup she is playing with a knife! Mother of the year award, right?!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flVRFHbw99g/TtFmRVDtwMI/AAAAAAAAFA0/AFTP5IfU2Ek/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flVRFHbw99g/TtFmRVDtwMI/AAAAAAAAFA0/AFTP5IfU2Ek/s320/IMG_2950.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679433052987441346" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this lil man Hi-Tek warmed his way into each of our hearts.<br />The kids loved having a baby around! He is such a funny little guy!<br /><br />Thanks Baby Sis! I love you!<br />Plan to do it again next year! I'll need it!<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-70683800006253500742011-10-25T20:01:00.001-07:002011-10-25T20:22:22.773-07:00My sons fall party<div style="text-align: center;">I love Pinterest! Thank you whoever thought of and implemented this site! If you haven't heard of it, it is a great resource! I found <a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/2010/10/21/halloween-school-party-food-station/">this site there</a> and had to make these for my sons grade school fall party.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Our school mascot is an owl.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How perfect for a school party that can't be too Halloween-ish.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WL0GZcdfJ8/Tqd4ugt-B8I/AAAAAAAAE7A/SDNq2FnG90Q/s1600/IMG_2473.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WL0GZcdfJ8/Tqd4ugt-B8I/AAAAAAAAE7A/SDNq2FnG90Q/s320/IMG_2473.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667631396521117634" border="0" /></a>I did find pulling the oreos apart and sticking them on the cupcake didn't look as cute as the ones on the website! I had to dip my handy little pampered chef pairing knife in water and scrape off the top layer of icing to get the whites to look cleaner.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAWbsQXSfvY/Tqd5_1iv9ZI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/QBRv761kw4k/s1600/IMG_2475.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAWbsQXSfvY/Tqd5_1iv9ZI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/QBRv761kw4k/s320/IMG_2475.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667632793680606610" border="0" /></a>Can you see the difference?<br />I also found double stuffed oreos work better or the cheap generic oroes as the icing is easier to manipulate.<br />These were super easy and fun for all.<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-70158447420243851392011-10-18T06:13:00.000-07:002011-10-18T07:53:23.432-07:00Fall Festival<div style="text-align: center;">Today is the fall festival at school. Each class is having a fall party.<br />I was so eager to sign up for snacks and do something super fun, but by the time I spoke to the mom in charge of my oldests class party all she had left was drinks. I found this <a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/halloween/decorating/spooky-decorations/?page=13">link for juice boxes</a> and knew what I was going to do. When I talked to the teacher she suggested making a few for those who may not like/celebrate Halloween so I found <a href="http://crissyscrafts.blogspot.com/">this link</a> and very poorly attempted to create something neutral.<br />Here are our final results.<br />I had the kids help create these treats. My little Emo boy wanted to do his mummy in black, I wasn't in the mood to fight. In the end we decided to turn him into a bat instead. I think it turned out rather cute.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiYY7IvB7oA/Tp19yxtlamI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/eDQmIfgWz2M/s1600/IMG_2460.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiYY7IvB7oA/Tp19yxtlamI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/eDQmIfgWz2M/s320/IMG_2460.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664822217593416290" border="0" /></a>Adjustments<br />I couldn't find white electrical tape so I used white duct tape. I snipped the first piece in half and started tearing which you can't see very well but it leaves little raw edges giving it a more torn material look.<br />Here's a pic of my tape roll<br />(I was able to do 20 with this roll and this is whats left could probably do another 10 easily)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NhyCpndfwg/Tp19zJmoR_I/AAAAAAAAE6c/kEcPQEKET54/s1600/IMG_2467.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NhyCpndfwg/Tp19zJmoR_I/AAAAAAAAE6c/kEcPQEKET54/s320/IMG_2467.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664822224006694898" border="0" /></a>The black mummy gone batty<br />We wrapped these boxes with black electrical tape then cut out some bat wings out of card stock, folded over a small piece of the wing to hot glued them on, followed by our googly eyes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoWqf-tf_h0/Tp19zngXxfI/AAAAAAAAE6o/PwOytI0qP78/s1600/IMG_2468.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoWqf-tf_h0/Tp19zngXxfI/AAAAAAAAE6o/PwOytI0qP78/s320/IMG_2468.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664822232033510898" border="0" /></a>I carefully pulled all the straws off, making sure the plastic didn't tare before we started, then we hot glued then all back on to finish up our project.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqng6Pu5kF0/Tp190NJ_XII/AAAAAAAAE64/CDmlqw_wPbM/s1600/IMG_2469.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqng6Pu5kF0/Tp190NJ_XII/AAAAAAAAE64/CDmlqw_wPbM/s320/IMG_2469.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664822242140183682" border="0" /></a>What a fun project! Sad we spent the better part of 2hrs wrapping , and gluing 40+boxes and they will only be enjoyed for a few minutes then trashed, but my kids loved helping and spending time working together (Ok so it wasn't all fun and games, they fought a little, but they talked fondly about their evening over breakfast).<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-49601097949370268232011-10-08T13:34:00.000-07:002011-10-10T18:51:49.417-07:00Bows bows bows!I don't sell a whole lot of bows. I am not the best business woman! I love to craft but hate marketing, and putting myself out there. From time to time by word of mouth I get a few orders. Some know exactly what they want, others just give me freedom with a color scheme. This month I had a few back to back orders that took me a few weeks to complete. I tried out a lot of new bow tutorials. It was so fun and challenging! My girls were thrilled as they got a few new bows in the process.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I will give credit where due, linking to the tutorials I used. Some of these flowers I found tutorials for long ago and have no idea who to give credit. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2C9uB9PH58/TpDmpch5T4I/AAAAAAAAE5g/VVlPBJG5_rM/s1600/IMG_2309.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2C9uB9PH58/TpDmpch5T4I/AAAAAAAAE5g/VVlPBJG5_rM/s320/IMG_2309.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661278331312099202" border="0" /></a>These are some from my first order. MK has two girls. She wanted a few neutral, and then pink and purples to match her girls outfits.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tGmbJ1KzHE/TpDmoewlTJI/AAAAAAAAE5I/1FVQBUsNpP8/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tGmbJ1KzHE/TpDmoewlTJI/AAAAAAAAE5I/1FVQBUsNpP8/s320/IMG_2297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661278314730704018" border="0" /></a>I recently discovered covered buttons. I love them!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Fmtb6HYlE/TpEBbCg3f_I/AAAAAAAAE5w/dS3HhUASSw4/s1600/IMG_2292.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Fmtb6HYlE/TpEBbCg3f_I/AAAAAAAAE5w/dS3HhUASSw4/s320/IMG_2292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661307770624245746" border="0" /></a>Here is another variation of the burnt edge flower. I also made these in pink and white satin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElxU3F6Swqs/TpDmoFwZmBI/AAAAAAAAE5A/RBje8dhLVWA/s1600/IMG_2272.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElxU3F6Swqs/TpDmoFwZmBI/AAAAAAAAE5A/RBje8dhLVWA/s320/IMG_2272.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661278308019050514" border="0" /></a>These are my favorite Sunday barrettes. They are time consuming but its worth the effort. I found if I hold the middle of each petal over the flame it gives it a little extra dimension.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-96KKB5wE0/TpDTULRQfRI/AAAAAAAAE4w/oQNKu79y4cg/s1600/IMG_2319.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-96KKB5wE0/TpDTULRQfRI/AAAAAAAAE4w/oQNKu79y4cg/s320/IMG_2319.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661257075180731666" border="0" /></a>These are my new favorite barrettes! A mindless sort of activity, I can sit in front of the TV hand stitching and gathering ribbon then get to assembling them later. I learned from this one fish line works really well and hides well on multicolored ribbon.<br />I found this tutorial <a href="http://www.nikkiinstitches.com/top-10-countdown-5-ruched-ribbon-flower/">here</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sme9h5f7WZU/TpDTUXkv5iI/AAAAAAAAE44/vJUBARYieeY/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sme9h5f7WZU/TpDTUXkv5iI/AAAAAAAAE44/vJUBARYieeY/s320/IMG_2324.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661257078483707426" border="0" /></a>Another variation <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BhtreYvGhw/TpDTT91eHZI/AAAAAAAAE4o/RXAXKNH0KWs/s1600/IMG_2329.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BhtreYvGhw/TpDTT91eHZI/AAAAAAAAE4o/RXAXKNH0KWs/s320/IMG_2329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661257071574523282" border="0" /></a>These ones took me a few tries to get right. I was too lazy to use a needle and thread so I used a little hot glue. Once again a covered button really finishes it off.<br />This tutorial I found <a href="http://ribbonflowers.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-make-5-petal-ribbon-flower.html">here</a><br /><br />Order #2 was for homecoming. Ks Mom wanted "big" cheer bows<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUkMJ06R4fg/TpDTTipC5rI/AAAAAAAAE4g/LwLttY4o5HQ/s1600/IMG_2907.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUkMJ06R4fg/TpDTTipC5rI/AAAAAAAAE4g/LwLttY4o5HQ/s320/IMG_2907.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661257064274650802" border="0" /></a>I don't normally make big bows. This was definitely a first for me. Please she wanted them on the snap clips not the alligator type clips. I learned when using the snap clips, glue the bow on while the clip is open, then after a few minutes close it and then open it a few times. Otherwise it is rather stiff.<br />I definitely need to work on my big bow making ability.<br /><br />Order #3 was for the big OU game this weekend. Ms. G needed a few "little" clips for her baby. I forgot to take picture before delivering them. But I am sure she wore them proudly after their big win!!<br /><br /><br />My girls were so excited to get a few new bows of their own. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwGvzPzY2o/TpEBa-_FPXI/AAAAAAAAE5o/AdpCqFGE4PQ/s1600/IMG_2295.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwGvzPzY2o/TpEBa-_FPXI/AAAAAAAAE5o/AdpCqFGE4PQ/s320/IMG_2295.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661307769677233522" border="0" /></a>These babies are so super easy and super cute!!<br />I found the tutorial<a href="http://ribbonflowers.blogspot.com/2011/01/rounded-end-five-petal-flower.html"> here</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCdQvMJEvxo/TpEBbRxoIZI/AAAAAAAAE54/KfVtBnWW63k/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCdQvMJEvxo/TpEBbRxoIZI/AAAAAAAAE54/KfVtBnWW63k/s320/IMG_2288.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661307774721073554" border="0" /></a>This is Ape Babies favorite. She wore it all last week! Another covered button<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCzeMJOAYNk/TpDmolZi-CI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/Eve9eGrgj04/s1600/IMG_2298.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCzeMJOAYNk/TpDmolZi-CI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/Eve9eGrgj04/s320/IMG_2298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661278316513130530" border="0" /></a>I made this for my flittering butterfly. She loves Zebras.<br /><br />It was fun putting my bow making skills to work. A friend dropped by one day and kept me company while she made a few of her own. Another friend dropped by the most delicious spring rolls so I didn't have to break for lunch. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ryLR-SzSEk/TpEIKQ6io6I/AAAAAAAAE6A/iiAtat6-ZaE/s1600/IMG_2835.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ryLR-SzSEk/TpEIKQ6io6I/AAAAAAAAE6A/iiAtat6-ZaE/s320/IMG_2835.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661315179013645218" border="0" /></a>My little Mr. Emo made me a few bows of his own.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3L-2OZvYGI/TpEIKotcJ9I/AAAAAAAAE6I/KX8Lm4UOPV8/s1600/IMG_2839.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3L-2OZvYGI/TpEIKotcJ9I/AAAAAAAAE6I/KX8Lm4UOPV8/s320/IMG_2839.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661315185401145298" border="0" /></a>My living room is grateful to be rid of all evidence of a week of no cleaning, neglect and the brimming boxes of craft supplies decorating every empty corner.<br />Back to life as normal.<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-24209651334115617782011-09-05T20:00:00.000-07:002011-09-05T20:40:38.510-07:00Goals-humanitarian quilts and runningSorry ladies and gent I have been preoccupied. I have been working on completing a few goals.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Young Girls at church are working on putting <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >80</span> quilts together for a local homeless Shelter for Christmas. A tall order for 4 girls!<br />There was a lady at church who passed and had a lot of fabric. Her sister was so kind as to donate it to us to help us accomplish our goals.<br />We have 9 completed, 9 more ready to tie, and 9 out with other ladies from church hopefully being sewn as we speak.<br />As well as a meeting with another lady from church who has connections to have a whole lot more tops quilted for us for free.<br />Anyways, I wanted to make my own contribution. When we have our quilting nights I am running around employing the girls and keeping everyone on task. I never get to sit behind a machine. So when I found some adorable material at Joann's a few weeks ago I decided I was going to make a simple top of my own. Here is my completed top<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9WjxQ-YEE0/TmWOrXvDq4I/AAAAAAAAE0A/Az7LdkFZU64/s1600/IMG_2113.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9WjxQ-YEE0/TmWOrXvDq4I/AAAAAAAAE0A/Az7LdkFZU64/s320/IMG_2113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649078183363062658" border="0" /></a>My iron broke so I couldn't take out all the wrinkles. I am so happy to have some leftover material to make the girls something with.<br /><br />Next is a goal I had to pass an Air Force PT test (it was easier than the Army PT test). I started back in June just running 3-4times a week, slowly increasing my speed, by alternating from walking to running and then eventually running the entire 1.5miles.<br />Last Friday I accomplished it with 4 seconds to spare on my run! WAHOO!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pozetxQK-is/TmWOrn0yIQI/AAAAAAAAE0I/uGrlC1yTdVc/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pozetxQK-is/TmWOrn0yIQI/AAAAAAAAE0I/uGrlC1yTdVc/s320/IMG_2667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649078187682046210" border="0" /></a>I had plateaued for a few weeks and couldn't seem to take anytime off my run no matter what I did. After a little discussion with my soldier boy, he suggested I started running intervals (one min at a jog, one min at a much faster pace). It worked!! In one week I took off a minute plus!! I simply just found at what pace was easy to run at and what pace I could tolerate for one minute alternating back and forth. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Z7RFIXxS8Y/TmWQO3x47GI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/NMU2SrOYAME/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Z7RFIXxS8Y/TmWQO3x47GI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/NMU2SrOYAME/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649079892771925090" border="0" /></a>I have decided to coast here for the next two weeks and then on the 15th I will start working on passing an Army PT run (2miles) by December 15th. I already have the pace just need to work on the distance.<br />Now I need to get back into crafting. SO many fun ideas to decorate the house with for Halloween!<br />This months goal is to blog more!<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-33013168330453820932011-08-18T19:19:00.000-07:002011-08-18T19:43:28.782-07:00Rather slow weekWith it being the first week of school I have been rather slow at getting around to things this week. I finished this shirt last week for back to school. It is a bigger slightly modified version of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnTWw8bvjJU/Tk3KMCz7uWI/AAAAAAAAEyw/yDbqBhkwP64/s1600/IMG_1464.jpg"></a><a href="http://learning-to-b-me.blogspot.com/2011/07/itch-to-create.html">this one I made for my ape baby here. </a>I love the material. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnTWw8bvjJU/Tk3KMCz7uWI/AAAAAAAAEyw/yDbqBhkwP64/s1600/IMG_1464.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnTWw8bvjJU/Tk3KMCz7uWI/AAAAAAAAEyw/yDbqBhkwP64/s320/IMG_1464.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642388216427034978" border="0" /></a>On top of it being the first week of school the Young Ladies in our youth group started back at making quilts for the Jesus House (a local homeless shelter). So I had to get refocused on putting quilts together and making sure we had enough stuff to keep everyone busy. They have 80beds and are usually packed come Christmas time. We are trying to finish as many as possible and are hopeful to give everyone a quilt. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkDPXzPrtZo/Tk3KLwc8_3I/AAAAAAAAEyo/ew-7Yvv4m5g/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkDPXzPrtZo/Tk3KLwc8_3I/AAAAAAAAEyo/ew-7Yvv4m5g/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642388211498811250" border="0" /></a>Last night was our refocus night. We organized our quilt took stock and started a few more. We have 9 completed and another 6 just needing the binding done, three quilt tops and another four tops out with some of the ladies from church helping us out. They are turning out quite cute. All of our material has been donated by church ladies with the exception of a few backs. I will be spending a few nights working on this project each month to help contribute a few more tops for the girls to tie.
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<br />I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I am looking forward to sleeping in and doing some crafting this weekend. Hopefully I will have some fun things for next week. Need to create something that will help clean out a few inches of my fabric/craft area. It has exploded!
<br />Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-44107187930350723122011-08-14T21:23:00.000-07:002011-08-14T22:08:12.835-07:00Back to school blunder- cleaning shoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMDBcB46QH8/TkinrjnRGgI/AAAAAAAAExY/_Bgatemyofs/s1600/vff.jpeg">
<br /></a>My flittering butterfly has really wanted to get a pair of these. Blue is her favorite color.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMDBcB46QH8/TkinrjnRGgI/AAAAAAAAExY/_Bgatemyofs/s1600/vff.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 138px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMDBcB46QH8/TkinrjnRGgI/AAAAAAAAExY/_Bgatemyofs/s320/vff.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640942900017699330" border="0" /></a>My husband has a pair, my MIL has a pair, so naturally she wanted a pair. I wasn't about to spent $60 on a pair of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">kids</span> shoes for back to school! She will have grown out of them in a few weeks/month and need new ones. My husband made her a deal. We would pay half if she paid half- that way if she really wanted them she would have to work for them. Sure enough the girl announced last week she had enough money and wanted to go pick some out. We made a trip into the city and found out no one in a four hour radius sells or will even order them in kids sizes! UGH!
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<br />We went home with a crushed little girl! So we immediately ordered some online. Unfortunately, they won't be here in time for the first day of school- you know the day you have to look your best, wear your favorite new outfit, sporting your new back pack, style your hair just the right way, and run around in your new SHOES. My fashion conscious girl voiced this concern. I am not about to go buy her another pair of shoes right now! She has several other gently worn used that will suffice for the first few day of school, she will most likely wear them sooner or later anyways. So last night I googled ways to clean-up and enhance her old shoes. I came across<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2241756_clean-converse-sneakers.html"> this link</a> PERFECT!!!
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">With a little of this
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SofZQ2QI5bk/Tkiia25gRkI/AAAAAAAAEwo/R8CHGJndneA/s1600/IMG_1704.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SofZQ2QI5bk/Tkiia25gRkI/AAAAAAAAEwo/R8CHGJndneA/s320/IMG_1704.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640937115578549826" border="0" /></a>I got this
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUM2WE9ae9A/TkiibycIsVI/AAAAAAAAExI/oDe4QFMA4bU/s1600/IMG_1699.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUM2WE9ae9A/TkiibycIsVI/AAAAAAAAExI/oDe4QFMA4bU/s320/IMG_1699.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640937131561496914" border="0" /></a>The lighting is bad, i know! Its midnight and under my energy saving light bulbs that cast a yellowish hue, its hard to get a good picture.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgitZdbNAI0/TkiibS2rJbI/AAAAAAAAEw4/ZuTiQXQL1ek/s1600/IMG_1696.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgitZdbNAI0/TkiibS2rJbI/AAAAAAAAEw4/ZuTiQXQL1ek/s320/IMG_1696.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640937123082872242" border="0" /></a>I had to adjust the recipe a little. I couldn't get a good paste consistency that stayed mixed so I doubled the baking soda.
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br />1Tbsp Vinegar
<br />1Tbsp hot water
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">2Tbsp baking soda</span>
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<br />It took less than 4minutes to run the water, scrub the shoe and rinse it. What a difference! Hope my fashion conscious flittering butterfly will accept these until her new shoes arrive next week.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkx7lnIqx-0/TkiibDtsG9I/AAAAAAAAEww/_XgWPIqCFnE/s1600/IMG_1693.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkx7lnIqx-0/TkiibDtsG9I/AAAAAAAAEww/_XgWPIqCFnE/s320/IMG_1693.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640937119018654674" border="0" /></a>
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<br /></div></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-55329707592729043602011-08-11T22:02:00.000-07:002011-08-11T22:52:35.501-07:00Ape baby's Peasant topI am definitely in a sewing mood. Needing to keep myself moving and occupy my sleepless nights, I recently reorganized my sewing drawers and boxes. I have a bit too much fabric! Great beautiful prints just waiting for the right project.
<br />I came across several patterns I had purchased back in the day when my flittering butterfly was a wee Lil one. The Copyright on the packages says 2001. When I came across this pattern I decided I had just the fabric to use.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbAtd1vw0Mg/TkS2deTYR-I/AAAAAAAAEv4/L4pYW0PiyB0/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbAtd1vw0Mg/TkS2deTYR-I/AAAAAAAAEv4/L4pYW0PiyB0/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639833250841511906" border="0" /></a>Walmart always has a bunch of discount material packets in town. I found a packet for a purse but thought it would make a perfect shirt for my 'lil ape baby. For two yards of each material and a great purse handle it was $5. Steal! I have been holding on to it for over 6months waiting for just the right thing.
<br />I love it when I can make a project without having to go shopping.
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4hqDVN0S0s/TkS2d_fiL9I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/1dl6P2mh3-U/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4hqDVN0S0s/TkS2d_fiL9I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/1dl6P2mh3-U/s320/IMG_1512.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639833259750862802" border="0" /></a>I love peasant tops! I, of course, sewed this late one night while my babes were sleeping. I cut out the size 2 shirt, and followed the instructions. I left out the elastic on the sleeves because I didn't want to make them too tight but once she had it on I decided I liked it better without the puff sleeves. I have always been intimidated by store bought patterns. They easily confuse me. However this one taught me a few new sewing tricks I'd have never thought of.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUKU6MZXy9c/TkS2dTijCCI/AAAAAAAAEwA/B3JMaURczRk/s1600/IMG_1524.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUKU6MZXy9c/TkS2dTijCCI/AAAAAAAAEwA/B3JMaURczRk/s320/IMG_1524.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639833247952341026" border="0" /></a>I love the scrunchy gathered top piece! It is a wonderful detail!
<br />I will make a few minor adjustments to lengthen it but all in all I LOVE this simple pattern! I am thinking of making another top for winter, with the short puff sleeves and adding a knit cotton full length extension giving it a layered look. What do you think?
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tnJZd2MRRg/TkS3s4mq4rI/AAAAAAAAEwg/o5JHF-bXWbY/s1600/IMG_1454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tnJZd2MRRg/TkS3s4mq4rI/AAAAAAAAEwg/o5JHF-bXWbY/s320/IMG_1454.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639834615111410354" border="0" /></a>My lil ape baby wore this on our Zoo outing this week. I was thrilled when I had several ladies who had lil girls about the same age ask where I bought this shirt- a feel good creative moment. This pattern is a keeper!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRhfGuCe6bo/TkS3sdqLx6I/AAAAAAAAEwY/O6FGEVxBDS0/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRhfGuCe6bo/TkS3sdqLx6I/AAAAAAAAEwY/O6FGEVxBDS0/s320/IMG_1471.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639834607878391714" border="0" /></a>I think I like to sew.
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<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-47891839497792535632011-08-08T07:39:00.000-07:002011-08-08T07:39:00.510-07:00True learning to b me moment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKWhFFIs5Lw/Tj1tGrTvYcI/AAAAAAAAEs4/vTi_zW71lMM/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg"><br /></a><br />My sweet flittering butterfly loves to design outfits. She loves to coordinate her clothes, and changes a dozen times a day to get just the right outfit. Two summers ago I promised to make her something. I took her to the fabric store and let her have free reign, first mistake!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Later on that summer she designed the outfit I was to create with it. I tried to recreate it last summer but with little success. I threw it in a drawer and never wanted to touch it again.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKWhFFIs5Lw/Tj1tGrTvYcI/AAAAAAAAEs4/vTi_zW71lMM/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKWhFFIs5Lw/Tj1tGrTvYcI/AAAAAAAAEs4/vTi_zW71lMM/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637782270009893314" border="0" /></a>Here are her different variations of it. Now she wants me to make a matching skirt HAHA!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mwb1jXl77o/Tj1tHR0C9DI/AAAAAAAAEtA/DvDke4UUJYE/s1600/IMG_1376.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mwb1jXl77o/Tj1tHR0C9DI/AAAAAAAAEtA/DvDke4UUJYE/s320/IMG_1376.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637782280345941042" border="0" /></a><br /></div>The material is stretchy, almost swimsuit like material. I have never sewn with such material. I don't want to do it again, anytime soon! Maybe after I get a serger, maybe under the eye of a trained professional, and I suggest not trying new techniques out on material you are unfamiliar with.<br /><br />I am happy to say I FINALLY kept my promise and completed her creation! I altered my originally pattern and went for something more simplistic this time and it worked out much nicer.<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> I </span>see all the flaws. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong in this project- threads breaking while I was gathering, material not being caught on the backside while I top stitched, cut limited material too short, running out of thread with only ten inches left to sew, material constantly getting caught in the feed dogs, and someone suggested using a zigzag stitch instead of a straight stitch, didn't work! the material was too flimsy)! But it was all worth it with her excitement over the finished product. She is going to wear it until the first day of school. :-/ Atleast I know she appreciates all the effort I put into it!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaxDU4IIqFY/TjzIE6gEqfI/AAAAAAAAEsg/CAuWc1T8fvQ/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaxDU4IIqFY/TjzIE6gEqfI/AAAAAAAAEsg/CAuWc1T8fvQ/s320/IMG_1354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637600820309830130" border="0" /></a>She is such a poser, didn't have to ask her to do anything. She does it all LOL<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03RLuBzeopo/TjzIFO_PIII/AAAAAAAAEso/c4scW11hrsw/s1600/IMG_1358.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03RLuBzeopo/TjzIFO_PIII/AAAAAAAAEso/c4scW11hrsw/s320/IMG_1358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637600825809248386" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2010/06/guest-blogger-kellyleasews-maternity-top-tutorials/">I used this site for a pattern</a>. I made both sides the same length and the same width. I had to cut the arm cut outs a little deeper than on <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/04/spring-sewing-spring-ruffle-top-tutorial/">this tutorial</a> and made the width of the top band a little bigger. My Flittering Butterfly wanted rounded edges on the ends of the ties, so I sewed them inside out and up the side about 8inches. I then turned them right side out and sewed the black band all round, encasing the flower material which I had already sewn to the underside of the black piece, thus fully encasing the flower material within the black band. (Hope that makes sense. No photos to demonstrate.)<br /></div><br />I learned that with a little patience and a little advice from more seasoned sewers it is possible to create the impossible. "If at first you don't succeed, try try again."<br />Double fist pump! I took my Flittering Butterflies creation and made it her own!<br /><br />Side note- I recently tried my hand at drawing a few designs. I started by recreating this top. THanks to my soldier boys cousin and her tips, my daughter and I are having so much fun creating all kinds of new outfits (that I will probably never sew but enjoy drawing). Here's my first sketch.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkWgJ2AcCCE/Tj1tGVXLtDI/AAAAAAAAEsw/z3SMuRce92g/s1600/IMG_1371.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkWgJ2AcCCE/Tj1tGVXLtDI/AAAAAAAAEsw/z3SMuRce92g/s320/IMG_1371.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637782264118752306" border="0" /></a>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-65460765891571564492011-08-06T07:22:00.000-07:002011-08-06T07:22:00.988-07:00Need to redecorate<div style="text-align: center;">Ever have one of those weeks/months you decide you are tired of the way something looks but just don't know what you want to replace the old.<br />A few weeks ago I decided the space above my fireplace had to change. Since we painted our living-room two years ago the painting above the fireplace seemed to blend into the wall too much. For a large part of the day the wood frame looked almost the same color as the wall. I wanted something more drastic but not over powering.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUV5m-jEz3k/TjojzOqWqmI/AAAAAAAAEr4/bbomN5CMyQI/s1600/IMG_1350.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUV5m-jEz3k/TjojzOqWqmI/AAAAAAAAEr4/bbomN5CMyQI/s320/IMG_1350.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636857246623640162" border="0" /></a>My soldier boy was in the field and I needed some alone, adult time. I hired a sitter and made a run into town to Hobby Lobby. I walked thru the store at least ten times, up and down each isle without having to run to the potty three times, losing a child, or having to pick up things my children have taken off shelves. I love the discount isle! Especially the picture frames. I came across a large black frame for $9, it stands lengthwise as long as I am tall almost. Who could pass that up?!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqU2gBSZly0/TjojzZcdPmI/AAAAAAAAEsA/RqXl1Xg9h3Q/s1600/IMG_1351.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqU2gBSZly0/TjojzZcdPmI/AAAAAAAAEsA/RqXl1Xg9h3Q/s320/IMG_1351.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636857249518141026" border="0" /></a>I roamed the store for something to go with it, plates, picture, prints, more frames, or material. As I was about to give up I came across a metal wall hanging that was also discounted due to paint peeling, $14. I took it home and covered the metal that was showing thru with some acrylic paint.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeiTkDd16xM/Tjojzm8KDeI/AAAAAAAAEsI/jNlO67GBeGw/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeiTkDd16xM/Tjojzm8KDeI/AAAAAAAAEsI/jNlO67GBeGw/s320/IMG_1352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636857253140762082" border="0" /></a>Now I need to find the right balance of stuff on the mantle. I keep rearranging my trinkets to see what looks best but no right combo says "finished" yet.<br />The new home for our old painting is perfect. It pops more and we notice it more each time we pass it on our way into our room.<br />Now I am itching to start on the master bedroom, it lacks character! But everything I want to do requires the use of the garage and painting. Not happening anytime soon! Triple digits as far as the weather man can see.<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-81859828475403127922011-08-02T10:46:00.000-07:002011-08-02T11:51:59.410-07:00Love your state?<div style="text-align: center;">I work with the youth group at our church. We recently had two new girls moved in from out of state. We were looking for something simple to give them as a welcome gift, when I came across these again on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74148136/customize-your-home-is-where-the-heart?ref=sr_list_14&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=love+texas&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Etsy</a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nu7TWRnebo/Tjg6KoTLj2I/AAAAAAAAEqw/0r5cOn-8Y7U/s320/texas" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636318887945146210" border="0" />I have been dying to order one, but never have...We were a bit crunched on time so ordering one would not be an option for these girls. After searching for something super cute to give the girls and coming up empty handed, I decided to try my hand at making it myself.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found a clip art of our state.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbmYptze1JY/Tjg77teo_AI/AAAAAAAAEq4/pnVQpppa2xs/s1600/ok%2Bstate"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 175px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbmYptze1JY/Tjg77teo_AI/AAAAAAAAEq4/pnVQpppa2xs/s320/ok%2Bstate" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636320830660606978" border="0" /></a>I imported my image into Pages and used the create your own card setting, I was going to make a few, may as well not waste card stock.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_mjQkfJPfM/Tjg-XhEeQLI/AAAAAAAAErI/MguxZnb5-Us/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-08-02%2Bat%2B1.06.03%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_mjQkfJPfM/Tjg-XhEeQLI/AAAAAAAAErI/MguxZnb5-Us/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-08-02%2Bat%2B1.06.03%2BPM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636323507389218994" border="0" /></a>As I lined up my white card stock in my printer and hit print I selected the flip horizontally button which prints them backwards.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bDncfdsxN4/Tjg-YL6G_9I/AAAAAAAAErQ/XkXW2hjOVDU/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-08-02%2Bat%2B1.06.39%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bDncfdsxN4/Tjg-YL6G_9I/AAAAAAAAErQ/XkXW2hjOVDU/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-08-02%2Bat%2B1.06.39%2BPM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636323518888476626" border="0" /></a>After they were printed I cut out my card stock with my kindergarteners scissors, and flipped it blank side up. I approximated where our town is on the map and put a heart with a sharpie pen there. Then I distressed the edges a little with an ink pad to help it stand out a bit and cover some of the cut lines. I found out what each of the girls favorite colors were and with double sided tape adhered both pieces of card stock together and put it in a frame.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRm-qNd9HhQ/TjhCqlNOOQI/AAAAAAAAEro/OJBsieiZURE/s1600/IMG_1349.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRm-qNd9HhQ/TjhCqlNOOQI/AAAAAAAAEro/OJBsieiZURE/s320/IMG_1349.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636328232963684610" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5u3E3HXsWI/TjhCq2D4ZII/AAAAAAAAErw/s1cyByhO16g/s1600/IMG_2292.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5u3E3HXsWI/TjhCq2D4ZII/AAAAAAAAErw/s1cyByhO16g/s320/IMG_2292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636328237487907970" border="0" /></a>I wrapped them up and included a card that said<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3M36Gdjdhg/TjhCqPR5qcI/AAAAAAAAErY/krZyFNSbmzs/s1600/Slide1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3M36Gdjdhg/TjhCqPR5qcI/AAAAAAAAErY/krZyFNSbmzs/s320/Slide1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636328227077728706" border="0" /></a>Super simple and easy! I love them and so do the girls. In fact all the girls want one now!<br />Thinking of making one for each place we have lived and making a wall of them.<br /><br />Live to create!<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-42434439486785868562011-08-02T09:06:00.003-07:002011-08-02T09:06:47.429-07:00The winner is...The winner of our PinksNaptimeEscapes is...<br /><br /><object height="349" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FiyCu9iYdqA?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FiyCu9iYdqA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="349" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />WAHOO!!! Congrats Fokxxy!<br />I am finishing up a few projects for back to school then I should be back. Lots of projects planned for this fall, I just need the heat to die down a little so I can get out to the garage to start building.<br />Live to Create!Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-83056080164867802362011-07-18T00:49:00.000-07:002011-07-18T00:49:00.310-07:00A little behind... got a GIVEAWAY!!I grew up in a family of three girls. Both of my sisters are amazing people! Both very talented! I often feel like I was the one left behind when they handed out talents in our family.<br /><br />My sister K owns two marble slab ice cream stores. She can make amazing cakes. She was an amazing gymnast all thru school. People are drawn to K! She knows how to be a listening ear. She has a real knack for writing little rhymes for advertising and can memorizing things with such little effort. She got the skinny legs and thighs in the family. She is definitely the artist, and it shows on her cakes.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBAVi7bG78s/TiO1uv2LgYI/AAAAAAAAEqg/zOio_Ross6k/s1600/2008-03-23-02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBAVi7bG78s/TiO1uv2LgYI/AAAAAAAAEqg/zOio_Ross6k/s320/2008-03-23-02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630543773865574786" border="0" /></a>My Sister D- is there anything she can't do? She can act, sing, mother, dress, shop on a budget, does amazing things with her hair, bake, cook, sew, the list goes on...At 13yrs old she was teaching me (21yr) how to cook- I could burn water! She has lived with me several times over the years, and taught me a lot of what she knows. Now that she has her own family, and is off having her own adventures, she has found ways to keep herself busy. Her passion is sewing. After a lot of prodding she has finally opened her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/PinksNaptimeEscape?ref=ls_profile">own etsy shop-PinksNaptimeEscape</a>. So to celebrate her Grand opening (like a week ago- that's how slow I am) she has offered one of her creations for me to give away!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/PinksNaptimeEscape?ref=ls_profile"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luOFgiWGLHU/TiO1u5dFhNI/AAAAAAAAEqo/-dT4CBO7a_c/s320/DSCI0278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630543776444679378" border="0" /></a>This tied baby blanket and matching burp rag could be yours!<br />Great to wrap your little one in, or to add to your hope chest, or to give away as a baby gift.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Now she is new at this etsy stuff. She wants to know what the general public like, and to get her name out there. So to qualify for this give away all you have to do is 1-2-3.<br />1. click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/PinksNaptimeEscape?ref=ls_profile">HERE</a> and check her out<br />2. leave a comment below tell her which item is your favorite listing(with an email address so we can contact you)<br />3. cross your fingers you win this beauty!<br />NOW if you want an<span style="font-weight: bold;"> extra</span> chance to win I will put your name in twice if you post this on your facebook or blog (we love to check out new blogs!)<br /><br />My favorite design is her butterfly. My Ape baby had the most adorable onsie with the butterfly appliqued to it! Now tell me what's yours.<br /><br />This giveaway expires at midnight MST July 31, 2011Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695847112378812901.post-50529579510796341372011-07-14T18:14:00.001-07:002011-07-14T18:54:30.193-07:00An Itch to createAfter spending the week reorganizing my closet and my craft stuff, I have been dying to create! It's too hot to build furniture (which I am totally inspired to do), too hot to paint, to hot to do any landscaping (which I have tons of ideas for), I finished my last few books and am read out, SO with the AC blasting it is just the right temperature to sew.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After spending hours on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> I finally found something I wanted to attempt.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2010/04/pretty-easy-sundress.html">here</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib8w-7L2q7Q/Th-af6SEkHI/AAAAAAAAEp4/FbNvLg0B_ic/s1600/blog"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib8w-7L2q7Q/Th-af6SEkHI/AAAAAAAAEp4/FbNvLg0B_ic/s320/blog" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629387932248084594" border="0" /></a>I shortened it into a shirt rather than a dress.<br /><br />I also attemped my first french seam! FUN!! I found <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2008/05/seam-finishes-simplified/">this site here</a>. I don't own a serger and we are totally on the Dave Ramsey plan and I have so many other things on my priority list right now. I hate frayed edges and French seams make so much sense on the bottom part of this shirt! Sorry no pictures just trust me, check it out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVZUy38_COE/Th-aeuZ-IlI/AAAAAAAAEpg/E8s7toyEGUc/s1600/IMG_1312.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVZUy38_COE/Th-aeuZ-IlI/AAAAAAAAEpg/E8s7toyEGUc/s320/IMG_1312.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629387911880122962" border="0" /></a>Its finished, after spending the afternoon unpicking a few mistakes I made<br />and then having to sew with the kids 'cause you can't bring out the machine without letting them sew something<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHXCP5WiVA/Th-afdAVRPI/AAAAAAAAEpw/fqruNvsmtr8/s1600/IMG_1307.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHXCP5WiVA/Th-afdAVRPI/AAAAAAAAEpw/fqruNvsmtr8/s320/IMG_1307.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629387924389053682" border="0" /></a>I must say I like it! The oldest likes it too. She has request one for herself and even picked out the material she wants for hers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRnY-ufceXw/Th-ae5FCBfI/AAAAAAAAEpo/GvPcRy7iVwY/s1600/IMG_1304.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRnY-ufceXw/Th-ae5FCBfI/AAAAAAAAEpo/GvPcRy7iVwY/s320/IMG_1304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629387914745087474" border="0" /></a>I'll make this again in the future!<br />Now I want to try out a few more patterns/ideas<br /></div>Roeckershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15048036091415957688noreply@blogger.com1