Important Lazy Days...

Yep, I'm busy, busy...busy doing nothing, that is.

Enjoying Christmas vacation with the 4 "J's" and the time Papa bear has taken off work.

But, I will soon get back to my love, my love of sewing and everything crafty :)

My sweet "J" 3 took this picture of me right before Christmas, she's not a bad photographer...in fact she REALLY enjoys getting behind the lens when I allow her the camera! Ultimately her passion lie's behind the video camera...Santa brought her a Flip, and she has filmed incessantly since Christmas morning! I'm thinking of having her guest blog...my gf La Te Da let her daughter share on her blog, and I loved the idea of it. We'll see if she's even interested one day...

Till then, it's just me, plain ol' me, and the nonsense I can ramble on about.

I've found some great inspiration while enjoying my staycation...I can't wait to get busy and share with ya what I've been up to...till then,

Hope you had a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sunday love

I was laying in bed, in my comfy robe thinking about all the things I love today...maybe I should start my own Sunday love list? Could I keep up with it, hmmm...probably not, but why not give it a try? I'll never know if I don't try.

1. I love that I'm laying in bed, next to Papa bear blogging on my new Mac!!!!

2. I love that Papa bear gets to rest, we get to be together...at least for the next day or two.

3. I love going to church and worshiping my creator whose blessed me beyond measure.

4. I love that the 4 J's aren't fighting today...they've been playing happily much of the day.

5. I love that sometimes my dreams do come true.

6. I love drinking Salted Caramel Mocha's from Starbucks.

7. I love that one of my friends asked me to start walking with her, just that she thought to ask me made me feel really good :)

These are my 7 Sunday love's...for today, anyway!

Sentimental Christmas

Feeling very sentimental this Christmas...

I can't get anything really down in "Blog" format...you know, something that's really interesting and clever to write. I can barely do my daily routine, but I have been listening to some of my favorite Christmas Classics and I just thought I would share with you what's been fueling my fire(barely smoldering coles, truthfully) through this Christmas season...

Burle Ives...who does not love that old Snowman?


Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song

Eartha Kitt, Santa Baby...

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee

Bing Crosby...Silent Night

Frank Sinatra, Ol' Blue Eyes himself...Jingle Bells

Hope your having a blessed and merry Christmas season...

My Papa

My Papa, my hero passed away Dec. 1, 2010...this is for him

Pop- I love you and I miss you…already. I want to thank you for being the man, the husband, the father, the grandfather, the friend you were to us, but most of all I want to thank you for sharing Jesus with me. I LOVE how you LOVED him. You knew him, I mean REALLY knew him, you spent time with him each morning and reading the Word of God. You served him faithfully and he was your friend. In my heart, even though it’s heavy and sad, it is bursting with joy knowing your home with our savior.

I remember so well all the many times I would ask you, “Hey Pop, how are ya?” And you would say…with out skipp’n a beat, “Kid…if I was doing any better, I couldn't stand it!” I know, with out any doubt, you could not be doing any better this very moment! Thank you Jesus.

I remember so, so many things that I want to thank you for, here are just a few...

Thank you for being strong, so very strong. Thank you for being joyful and singing out loud. Thank you for laughing, and joking all the time. Thank you for being the BEST joke teller in world. Thank you for taking me with you to change the water in the vineyard. Thank you for letting me drive the tractor. Thank you for dancing with me. Thank you for letting us make club houses all over that ranch. Thank you for giving all us grand kids the ranch to play, and run, and grow up on. Thank you for letting me sleep in your bed with you & Nanny all the way up until I was 10 years old. Thank you for singing Froggy Went a Court’n and bouncing me on your knee. Thank you for always taking me to Sunday school. Thank you for giving me wonderful Uncles and an Aunt; I especially thank you for giving me my mother Jackie. Thank you for saving all your Pop bottles and letting us round’em up to turn in for more Sody waters ( that would be Dr. Peppers for those who are not familiar with Pops talk). Thanks for taking me to the Rescue Mission and teaching me about caring for others that have no one else to care for them. Thank you for taking me with you to dig worms on the dairy. Thank you for Mammoth Pools…and all the many years of camping. Thank you for all your stories, and your childhood memories that you shared with me so generously. Lastly, thank you for loving me so much, so much that you made sure I knew Jesus and that he was my savior. This is not a goodbye Papa…this is my see you soon, because I know I will see you again and we will dance all over heaven together. I love you

Charity

Wish List

It's that time again...making a list & check'n it twice, all that jazz. The kiddos have presented their Christmas lists, all I can say is: OUT OF CONTROL!!! They have lost their minds...I'm hoping to help them regain their sanity, maybe just bring them back to reality a tad. (If possible?)

Along those thoughts...wondering where they got those insane wish lists...here's just a few things that I would like Santa to put under the tree for lil' ol me :)

1. MacBook Pro, 3 very close friends have went Mac and the word is...you never go back! I'm READY to go Mac!
2. Dansko boots: Penelope...I think they would look fabulous on my feet...just say'n

3. I'm not much into Ed Hardy...but when I got a whiff of this perfume...instantly in Love!

4. This sweater from Anthro would keep me oh so toasty & warm, not to mention most stylish...



5. If Santa is feeling generous...it would be nice to have the option of coat or sweater, right? I've been spying this beauty:

6. I don't have one of these...yet, I'm thinking a stocking stuffer?


7. I love music...this would be my pick, Youth Novels by Lykke Li




8. Don't judge...I can't help it, I'm obsessed

9. This book looks great...hope I find it under the tree :)



10. This fabric, Nest by Valori Wells in Autumn would be a dream...



Keep in mind this is just my WISH list...that's what I keep telling the 4J's anyhow. It's all about the dreaming right, not always getting! Merry (early) Christmas ladies...God bless you and your families!

Christmas Widow

FedEx Logo
Originally uploaded by ytoabn

As Thanksgiving rolls around, I become a Christmas widow...yet I'm thankful for FedEx. Yes, it's been a struggle at times, in the last 15 years watching my husband climb the cooperate ladder, but rewarding too. He's become a strong leader, intelligent decision maker, and a definite problem solver. He's dedicated to his family, which has made him a loyal employee to FedEx. God blessed him with amazing character traits such as honesty and integrity, as well as perseverance. I am proud to be his wife...

Thank you God for my husband, his work ethic, and the amazing company that he works for.

Somedays...

Today is just one of those days...yet, I'm still thankful. My youngest, well, she's hard to describe. School is not her thing, she would rather stay home all day, every day. She will do all the reading, writing, numbers that I ask her to, but leave...go to school, now that's a different story. This year has been better, it's getting easier on her, she has a great teacher, great friends, not to mention she's growing up a little. However, today was a substitute teacher day, and it was a famous MELTDOWN MONDAY. So...choosing to pick my battles, I let her stay home. It's ok, if it's only once in a while, right? It's been nice...just me and her. Cuddling on the couch, watching Christmas movies...drinking coffee/hot chocolate. It started to snow around noon, she wanted to play a little so she threw on her rain boots, sweats and headed out the door. I love her...she's my "odd little duck" as we call her and I thank God he blessed our family with her...

Something new

Starbucks
Originally uploaded by Louis Abate

I was introduced to a new drink yesterday...Chai Apple Cider! It was so good...sweet, spicy, tangy, and hot...I never new what I was missing out on. I can only do a 12oz...it's pretty intense, but oh so worth it. Thanks Ashley for the introduction. I will be ordering a Chaider more often!

Random List

I DID'NT EVEN WANT TO KNOW 1 RANDOM THING ABOUT YOU
Originally uploaded by busyPrinting

Too bad, here goes...I'm going to give you a random list of things about me:

1. My parents married when I was three...for the first two years of life with my Dad, I called him Richard...I wouldn't call him "dad".

2. Dr. Pepper and Doritos are my absolute favorite junk food.

3. I'm really not an animal person AT ALL...not that I'm mean to them or anything, I just don't like them all that much (and I own a Maltese/Pomeranian mix, go figure)

4. The older I get, the harder it is for me to eat other people's cooking...why is that?

5. I struggle with my weight, eating right, and exercise.

6. I really WANT to be artistic, but I don't think I am.

7. I can honestly tell you that I truly feel like my husband and I have a "One of a Kind Love".

8. Never, NEVER did I plan on having kids...and I now have 4 at age 36.

9. Listening to Led Zeppelin really puts me in the mood...

10. If I could, I would higher a personal shopper because I have no idea how to dress myself.

Youthfullness

WOW!...Double WOW, can you believe it Amber...I blogged twice in row!!! What got into me, yeah...well...this did. Had to share it with you (my one and only reader). I thought it was fantastic and it made me feel the youth inside me again, if only for a day...but that's what life's all about, right? Seizing the moment, and letting everything just be what it is...



Even though I'm older, settled, and a bit routine...I hope I never lose that bit of magic and wonder inside of me. Don't let life drain it out of you, it will you know...if you let it.

Right around the corner

Vintage Christmas
Originally uploaded by thejoyof

Can you believe Christmas (MY VERY FAVORITE!) is right around the corner? I keep thinking about it and it just makes me giddy with anticipation! I feel like the love of Christ and for Christ deepens around the time of year that we celebrate his birth, which in turn, flows out of me. Well...that is my hope and prayer anyway. I'm especially excited this year, because my family is doing some different (special) things for Christmas this year. Can't wait to share with you what it is, but I am going to hold off until it actually happens. Yep, I am going to keep this secret...bet your wondering, huh? Don't be irritated with me, just think of it as having to wait until Christmas to open your present.

I've been a busy lady lately (when am I not?) and a sweet (newish) friend of mine has decided to step in and work along side me with Dicey Jane Threads. She and her family moved into our neighborhood last February or March...can't remember. Anyhow, we met each other at the bus stop and we've been friends ever since. What I found out eventually is she LOVES to sew, too! How cool is that? So, not only do we each have a GANG of kids...we both love to create things! So, I should say WE'VE been busy, sewing and creating. We've done a couple of Holiday Bazaar's and it's been a blast just being out together and meeting new people! Here's a little snapshot of me and my new partner in crime...it's not a great shot, but I new we would be great friends when she told me how she was obsessed with Twilight, JUST LIKE ME!!!! That's where we are in this photo...standing outside in the cold, waiting to go see Eclipse!

We're keeping our fingers crossed that we can get some of our new stuff entered into the Etsy shop, but it hasn't happened yet, hopefully in the next week or two you can check in and find some super cute things!

I came across the vintage photo up above on Flickr and it was a perfect description of all my Christmas love...enjoy!

Imperfect

Listen up...this is going to be a different, imperfect kind of blog post. I've been visiting this blog...reading it, digesting it...and it's making me think...in a BIG way. I get so tired of trying to be things I'm not (I know I've said all this before, sorry) but for some reason reading this blog has turned a light bulb on in my head. Not that this girl is so insightful, or deep...just that she is so REAL that it makes me want to be real like that. Real in everything I do, from my blogging all the way to my faith and what I believe. This young girl is allowing God to shine through her, and in turn, God is shining through to me. He's been speaking to me, not in a "Bruce Almighty" kind of way, but in a quiet, spiritual kind of way. I cannot, MUST not take this life for granite. It's a gift, my children, my husband, all the blessings that surround me is to be cherished and enjoyed. I don't want to sit back anymore thinking of all the things that could be or should be, why isn't it or why is it...I just want to be content in the knowledge that my significance is in Christ, he created me, knows who I am, and LOVES me in spite of everything. With all that being said...I revel in the fact that he has given me a passion and love of sewing that I like to share here on my blog. It's a creative outlet for me always...and I hope to continue to try and post about it here on my blog. Lately I haven't shared much, not because I haven't been busy, just because I rarely take the time to photograph anything, and it seems like such a hassle when that really is the last thing I want to be doing. I will try and share a few of my latest projects with you soon! One last little note...I guess the reason I titled this post as imperfect is I didn't re-read everything, check punctuation, or use descriptive words. I didn't take 2 hours to write it...I didn't stress out over a photo to post...I just sat down and wrote what was in my heart. So that will be it...words from my heart, my life...nothing fancy or perfect.

Listen Up

Why yes, I am a Twilight fan...and yes, I do HEART Edward. In fact I would consider myself one of those Moms...yeah, the Twilight moms. I know, it's sad...but true. With that out of the way, I'm here to tell you some big news! (hence Mr. Hottie Rob Pattinson with the megaphone)

Ms. Timi is hosting Ruffles & Rust an amazing vintage market Oct. 22 & 23...with fabulous vendors! I highly suggest you all (2) attend! Head on over to Come Junk With Us to get your tickets...you WILL not be dissappointed! Me and Rob promise!

What have I been up to?

* Oh...let me tell you...

* The new school year has started, "J" 7 is in second grade this year...so far, so good. "J" 11 & "J" 12 are in Middle school...what a trip that has been. Last, but not least "J" 16 is junior in H.S...need I say more?

* We serve our church. We lead service on Wednesday nights called Life Trek...it's a full ((free)) dinner at 6pm, then we break out in discussion groups-children through adults. There's something for everyone, I've have taken on the kitchen and feeding people...anywhere from 90-120 people every Wednesday. It's keeping me quite busy!

* Our oldest "J" 16 is driving...we bought him his first car. I STRESS a lot when he's out on the road (which is often these days) . He also has a new girlfriend...I don't think I'm accepting this as well as I thought I would.

* I volunteer every Monday at the Middle school on lunch hour and every Friday for a reading class. For the Elementary school, I have volunteered for Book Fair and the Walk-A-Thon. I'm tired...just a little

* We have a young lady at church who is having her second baby...a little girl. I wanted her to have lots of pink pretties to put her in so I threw her a baby shower. It was a blast...I would do it again in a heart beat!

* My guy, well he's the defensive lineman coach for "J" 12's football team, the Pirates. They are gone 3 nights a week for 2 hours of practice...we girls on the other hand have cheer practice, yes, that's right they are Pirate cheerleaders!!! YAY!!!!! We also have cheer practice twice a week...

*Lastly, my little "J" 7 is very much an introvert. She's never wanted to do anything but be at home, with Mom & Dad. That all changed this year...she decided she wanted to try girl scouts. Sooooo...we now have our Brownie meeting twice a month.

My creative, crafty self is lost somewhere in the shuffle...I'm hoping to come across it soon. I'm thinking of looking for it on a shelf somewhere...at least that's what my good friend Tres Birds suggested :)

Where am I

Simplicity...yeah, I need some. Anyone know where I can find it?

I haven't blogged since April and was actually entertaining the thought of closing my account. I really, really am not that interesting and I'm always beating myself up because I can't keep up the charade of being interesting.

I know, I know, just be myself...well that's kind of the problem. I've run out of "self" lately. I'm not coping well with motherhood, wifeing, friendship, serving, and everything else I throw myself into. When you spread out so thin, it's hard to be good at anything. So why do I do it???? Why does any woman do it???? That is the million dollar question isn't it?

I think it's a constantly changing reason to be honest with you. Sometimes I think we want to feel significant , perhaps other times just trying to live up to certain expectations we put on ourselves.

I know right now, this very moment the reason behind me having no "self" is that I feel like doing and being all I can possibly be will bring me joy and contentment. Hmmm...let me just say, it's not working out like I though it would! I really, really don't know what I'm doing, but I feel like if I try to stop juggling everything...all my spinning saucers will come crashing down and I'll have a major mess to clean up. I really don't want to clean anything right now.

I kind of just want to walk away, ya know? Like some sort of individual vacation...does that make me a selfish wife/mother/friend/Christ follower? I'm sorry if it does, I don't want to feel this way...but it's just not going away...these restless, tiresome feelings. Feelings of craziness, inadequacy, bewilderment...

I suppose I know in my heart that this too, shall pass...I just don't want to endure it any longer . I just want to go on, living life...simply living life.

Update

Finished!! The hanging Rose Ball is complete...it's so cute, don't ya think? Now to finish the red & aqua roses...

Who Blogs, You Blog?

Uh-huh...partially, I do blog. When I sit down and be still long enough to fire up that thing we call a brain, I can scribble out something half way decent.

You know...I always have these terrific ideas, quirky little stories, awkward situations that I promise myself I will blog about, but I find I'm always getting side tracked. Does that ever happen to you? The side-track thing? I mean, my good intentions are always there, but the "get' er done" mentality...not so much. Not to mention, sometimes when you have 4 kids, they tend to suck the life right out of you, does any of this sound familiar to you?

I wish I could be one of those uber"bloggity" bloggers, the ones with all their eggs in row, all their crap together, but bless her heart...that's not me. I'm the hit- n- miss blogger, the one that will share something really deep and important, then check out for months at a time. Or I could sew up a storm, post some really cute creations, and next thing you know burn out sets in and I can't even think about jotting out a post.

LOL...now that I write it all out...sounds like a bunch of sorry excuses for sure! I think it's time I take more time to show a little blog love, don't you? Ramblings of a confused, sometimes ditzy part-time blogger...

Here's what I'm working on for the year, my sister-n-law Marci & I decided to start a virtual quilting circle, Not Your Mamas Quilt Club. It's been soooo much fun! She had Jan, I had Feb, so on and so forth. I can't tell you how excited I am over this quilt top...now if I can just get it finished! Here it is...what do ya think?

Needed

My craft/sewing/office room was in desperate need of storage. We have everything in this room...I mean everything! So I decided I needed shelving...I couldn't get any more cabinets in there unless I hung them, so I went on a search. The search for a solution to my overcrowded, unorganized messy "Busy" room. What did I find...you wanna know, don't you? O.k., o.k...I'll share...

First I decided to make something instead of purchasing. Yes, it was much cheaper than ordering them through Pottery Barn or Ballard Design. How did I manage that you wonder? Cause I'm not real handy with a hammer & nails, ya know...

Ah-Ha! I found this fabulous tutorial on how to make beautiful, amazing cafe shelves...and let me just say, this gal is pretty nifty. She really spells it all out for you, (assuming your like me, a little ditsy in the carpentry department)...and nothing makes a tutorial easier to follow than PICTURES!!! Thank you Traci :) I haven't really commented on her blog yet, mostly because I just started visiting it, but she rocks! I love scrolling through all of her crafty, neat projects...not to mention all the links others post on her DIY projects. Jump on over there and take a looky for yourself, you might just get inspired.

Anyhow here's snapshots of my DIY project...and may I just say, I think they turned out perfectly!

The Materials:

Ready to Paint:

Black Satin...of course:

Ta-Da...all done!

Bad, bad blogger

Yes that's me...very bad blogger. Time, it is not my friend...

And yes...I did get the smile and nod today when I told my perfect circle that I was a bad blogger. They know...life it just gets in the way...all to often. So here's to you gals...in my perfect circle, this blog is for you!

This is my little craft I've been fiddling with for the last 2 weeks since my sewing machine is in the shop getting a much needed tune-up. You can find the cool little tutorial at House of Smith's



Hopefully...when I get done, if I ever get done...they will look like these:

No Toddlers here, but still....

I found this little poem over here at Under the Sycamore and I thought it was just perfect! I'm so glad I stumbled upon it, I think so I could share it with my 2 (maybe 3 readers) LOL! Enjoy Mama's...

If You Give A Mom A Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin,

she’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.

She’ll pour herself some.

Her three year old will spill the coffee.

She’ll wipe it up.

Wiping it up she’ll find dirty socks.

She’ll remember she has to do laundry.

When she puts the laundry in the washer,

she’ll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.

Bumping into the freezer will remind her

she has to plan for supper.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.

She’ll look for her cookbook.

The cookbook is setting under a pile of mail.

She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.

She will look for her checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse

that is being dumped out by her two year old.

She’ll smell something funny.

She’ll change the two year old’s diaper.

While she is changing the diaper the phone will ring.

Her five year old will answer and hang up.

She’ll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.

Thinking of coffee will remind her

that she was going to have a cup.

And chances are… if she has a cup of coffee

her kids will have eaten the muffin that goes with it.

– author unknown

Have a Thankful Thursday...

My week...

125/365 (overwhelmed)
Originally uploaded by papercutoutdesign

Yep...that's me at this very moment

A Success!

Yes, oh yes it was a huge success in my book...The Collection, a vintage inspired Flea Market! What an incredible event Timi coordinated...I can honestly say that lady can really throw down a party! She had lots of good help too (one of them being my guy on Parking duty, Sat morning) as well as WSU Laura , Shannon, Michele, Charlene, Jay, and her mom & dad...I'm sure the list could keep going but I'm so new to her circle, I couldn't possibly keep up with all of her friends! Now I know why so many people love this sweet gal, she has an unbelievable ability for connecting people, not only to herself, but each other too. I just can't get over how easy she made it all look. Hats off to you Timi Girl ...you out did yourself!

Defining this weekends success, well that's a great question. Of course, the obvious...making a little $$$ doing something I absolutely love, but more than that...WAY more than that...meeting so many amazing, wonderful, creative, generous, beautiful, intelligent women, and having them invite me into their love affair of JUNK! Not only did I meet wonderful new ladies who snagged up my creations...I was able to visit with some fun gals I'd had the pleasure of meeting on the last Come Junk With Us bus. It was such a whirlwind of fun...it seems it was over in a flash, and I can't wait for the next one to come around. Lots of work...yes, a little overwhelmed...YES, was it all worth it...YOU BETCHA!

I had so many ladies helping me out, I can't thank them enough, but as always Bubby went above and beyond. She put her creative mind to work and designed a beautiful little booth for me with whatever was laying around. I'm still amazed by her clever ideas and individual style. Thank you Mom for all you do...those words will never be enough, but I'm positive you know how much I appreciate ALL you do for me! I would not be the woman I am today without your advice, support, encouragement, and most of all the creativity you passed along to me.

Here are some snapshots I took of our little corner. Beautiful hats (Bloom'n Hats) my Nanny crocheted just for the show-

Burlap totes, vintage Buttercup bags, and lots of aprons...

Coffee cozies galore, zipper hair clips & zipper pins. Gorgeous Anna Maria Horner Little Folks voile cotton scarfs made by my sister-in-law Marci-

Pillows, pillows, pillows...burlap, muslin, and toile fabrics...

The Collection: A Vintage Inspired Flea Market

I think my title pretty much sums up what I've been doing these last few weeks. Whew...talk about sewing like a mad woman! My first ever show as a vendor and I'm sooooo nervous...but oh so excited too! It's going to be wonderful...so many awesome vendors, and Timi has outdone herself. Talk about the perfect party planner, well this gal has the knack for it and wait till you see what she has planned...anyone attending the show is in for a treat :) Friday evening, March 5th will be our Early Bird opening from 5-8pm $10 entry fee. Sat. March 6th will be the day you want to print out a coupon for the $5 entry fee. Don't forget it...and make sure to print one out for each of your girlfriends that your bringing along!

If you have anymore questions or need directions to the hall...go here Come Junk With Us. You will also get a little sneak preview of the FABULOUS items she has up for grabs at the show. Don't miss out, come out and see us!

Out of the Ordinary...

Sheeeesh...I wasn't sure if I would ever post again. I haven't had much to share, I guess. I have, but I haven't...you know what I mean? Some things you just can't find words for, or rather, they're all jumbled up inside your noggin and you can't figure anything out to save your life. That's the kind of month I've had, a couple of months actually. Not to mention the fact I worry about my writing skills or lack there of. That has passed for now, and I feel somewhat inspired.


Want to know what has inspired me? Love, that's right...just Love. I feel a lot of it right now...pouring out of me, but given back to me as well. I find myself thinking about my guy all throughout the days...wondering, daydreaming, hoping that he feels as much love as I do. I think he does, I hope he does. This man, the one I decided to give my heart to, is my everything. After all the time that has passed between us, I still get butterflies when he walks through the door. I catch my breath when he sneaks up behind me and kisses my neck. His smell stays with me hour after hour, giving me little snippets of his earlier presence. I miss him when he's gone, it's a small hole that can't be filled until he's by my side again.
We share a Love connection that has matured, it has brought me to this place in Love. My place, Our place is together, always. This family, this home we built with our Love, facing the fears and failures life has presented us, but never giving up and never letting go. I won't let go, as long as he exists...I will forever be his girl. For everything that has created this love, I know there is more to come...and I wait for it, with giddy anticipation.