Lissilulu

Lissilulu has moved

2010-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!
I have been trying to access my blog here, but couldn't get in for the longest time.
We have had a major change in our life.

We have moved to a farm! With the move came many changes in our lives and some new directions added for my sharing with you.
I now share about rural life and animals along with all of the sorts of family life that I have shared in the past here at Lissilulu.

While it is exciting to start a new chapter, it is also sad to lay one to rest. SOOO..I have decided to leave Lissilulu right here, BUT point you in the direction of my new blog too :o)

Come visit us at our new home:
Melbourne Road

You will have a teensy bit of catch up in reading. So settle in with a hot cup of something of your choice and see what we have been up to.

So glad to have finally gotten this thing unlocked to invite you over to our new home!
xoxoxoxo

summer can you stay a little longer?

2009-08-25T08:14:00.001-07:00

Summer quarter ended this past week so now I get summer for 4 weeks. Since I start college on Sept. 21st, I also bumped the kids back to start their homeschool at the end of September too, instead of the 9th like the public schools are doing this year.

My photographer Tessa has been so busy that she hasn't uploaded the pictures that I have taken to blog with so I am going to just try my best to tell you about them.
bare with me :o)

Remember the photos of our garden being planted? that space looked so bare. Now we have cucumbers, peas, beans, a humongous sunflower (Sophie's pride and joy), corn, tomatoes still ripening (over 12 plants-geesh!), and flowers. It looks like a jungle. We made it look like a victory garden with the diamond garden in the middle and a path around it. Two of the paths have disappeared because of overgrown tomato plants. I have started pinching off the new flowers on the tomato plants to direct the growing and ripening of the already numerous small tomatoes on the plants. Is that right? Anyone grow tomatoes?

We had exhibits in the county fair. To be honest we didn't make our exhibits specifically for the fair but since we are a busy family for the sake of sanity I went around and collected things that the girls and I have made. I put them in my giant orange bag and took them up there to see if they fit into a category. They all did! Hannah, Sophie and Aliss all got 1st and 2nd places in their divisions, Hannah got a 1st place in the overall division with a ribbon that has a huge rosette and 5$ of McDonalds money (that she shared with her sister-what a sweetie!). Tessa took her photos up too. She did really well and got 3rd overall from the huge rosettes too! I am so proud of my girls.

Zackery has gotten bikes given to him by a friend of his dads. He has learned how to take the parts off and reuse them on his bikes or on his friends bikes. One thing he has learned though is that boys flock to the shop that has parts like bees to honey. He is growing so fast into a young man. I am glad that he has the opportunity to build bikes even with his dad not here to show him. I was a little concerned about him being able to work on things. I really should stop worrying about these things because God shows me time and time again that He has everything under control.

The cats all are looking well except two days ago I noticed them starting small sneezes again. I try and shoo the cats outside during the day for the open spaces away from each other and fresh air. I am also still dosing them with L-lysine and Colloidal Silver. Man I hope this stuff goes away for good and soon!

Zack and I are driving an hours distance away today for our deposition from the accident 3 years ago.

Fall is in the air. Walking home from a neighbors house the other night around 8pm the air was sorta damp and clear. All of a sudden I thought kids should be getting ready for bed and school will be starting soon. There is a tree along the river that already has branches with yellow leaves on it and I think I heard a few of the Canadian Geese that stop over here along the river flying overhead the other night too.

4 more weeks summer...4 more weeks....pretty please? :o)

What do these things have in common?

2009-08-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks I have had quite the succession of very sick cats. We love our kitties dearly and it seems that when we volunteered to foster/tame feral kittens this summer we put our own pets in a very dangerous situation that most of them are fighting their way out of.

Colloidal silver
l-lysine
organic chicken broth
amoxicillin
zithromax

Dosing 9 cats 2 times daily with antibiotics, l-lysine water (blended up tablets in my osterizer with water), colloidal silver in water to drink and using Zack's nebulizer machine to mist watered down colloidal silver in a cat carrier so they can breathe.

Ask me how much fun I have been having? Well, maybe ask me next week.

Be back soon,
Lori
xo

Summer goodnes part 3:: Washing babydoll clothes

2009-07-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

I guess the babydolls have been getting a tad dirty making mud pies again...
Tessa and Aliss used to wash their babydoll's clothes each spring in the same big bowl that Hannah used.

Some things change and some things stay the same. I think when my granddaughters start coming over in years to come I will supply them with a clothes line, pins and the same bowl their (future) mamas used and they can wash baby clothes too!

Summer goodness part 1

2009-07-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

we are finally enjoying some of our garden's bounty

2009-07-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

Mom leaves back to Alaska tomorrow. This will be especially difficult for me as I only get to see her once a year.

I will miss you Mom.

The Perks

2009-07-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

My mom is one of The Best cooks I know.

Really.
While she is here I am taking full advantage of that perk.
Strawberry, Rhubarb, Custard Pie.....

You would too, wouldn't ya?

Mama of a Graduate

2009-06-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

Bubbly Apple Cider for the toast of a great future!

The Dad, The Grad & The Mama

photos Tessa has taken

special friends help pass out cake

My Mama came down from Alaska.

So many thoughts and memories to not forget of this special time period. My first child has now graduated and is talking about starting on an Associates in Art Degree this fall or winter. So many friends and relatives came to celebrate Tessa with us. I'm so glad they did so Tessa can see how many people support her.

Fly baby....fly...

In My Home::

2009-06-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

::early morning watering and thinning of veggies in my garden

::last stages of planning our first graduation and all the last minute details that go along with that...I will share photos when it is all said and done (this Sunday is the BIG day!)

::Sold a couple bags to a very sweet friend over in Spokane

::helping my girls foster C.A.R.A. kittens until the adoption day in a few more weeks. lots of feedings, teaching how to drink from a dish, rounding them up and a new kitten who is more wild than the ones we have had that Aliss and I are gentling.

::Ricky (another C.A.R.A. cat that is sweet but doesn't like other cats) in my laundry room til his antibiotics have healed his tail.

::making Tessa a little bolero jacket to go with her Chocolate Brown gown she is wearing for Graduation.

::trying to keep in contact with friends and family

::starting three summer classes online and getting them organized: Sociology, Diversity and Health & Safety for young children.

::started an internship with an agency that does Supervised Child Visitation. I just learned that I start my own case this next week and I am SO EXCITED! God is so good in the fact that He knows I know little girls and the new case will be a little girl. So EXCITED...oh, did I already say that? ~grin~

::Had my 5 kids + 6 friends for a sleepover last Friday night. CRAZY! We made home made pizza.

::made Cinnamon Rolls for my brood from leftover pizza crust dough...yummy!

Am I forgiven for not being here much lately?
I will try to do at least short posts in the future.
Hope your week is going well!

xo,
Lori

18

2009-06-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Aliss made Tessa's birthday breakfast in bed.
Tessa was made to get back into bed fully clothed for the celebratory breakfast in bed. :o)

"where's my presents?"

....when your first born child becomes a full fledged adult, the world tilts on its axis.

First there is denial...
then acceptance.

Then a new kind of relationship happens~
respect becomes an even stronger element in the relationship
listening and helping with future plans in the terms of guiding
not telling, but listening happens.

Knowing Tessa was turning 18 and graduating has of course been something I have known was coming, but that didn't deter the emotions that have happened in waves these past several days. The waves of immense pride in my girl flip-flopping with emotions of longing for that long-legged little 9 yr old colt or the baby with fat rolls around the wrists...

Knowing she is considered an adult...knowing what a wonderful and remarkable young lady (woman) she is....knowing there are many lives out there that her kindness and humor will touch..

So many emotions and we haven't even gotten to the graduation celebration night...

special little suprises

2009-06-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

My girl Tessa; who is now officially an adult TODAY, made me the above banner as a surprise.

I can't say how much I love seeing my kids up there when I check in here and chat with you all.
I specially love how lissilulu is on the hillside like the Hollywood sign in the movies too. ha!

Hope you are having a great weekend wherever you are!

xo,
Lori

sunshine & flowers

2009-06-02T20:09:00.001-07:00

A couple of new Meg Carry-Alls have bloomed over in my shop in honor of all of all of this lovely sunshine and flowers this week!

P.S. I am working at making the Meg Carry-All into a pattern for others to sew...what do ya think?

graduation time

2009-06-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

In the depths of handmade Graduation Announcements
needing to be sent out by this weekend.

Presentation in Law and Ethics on Thursday
Math101 test on Thursday
Photo shoot for Tessa's senior picture tomorrow
Reprinting about 20 more announcements
Scrapbooking the announcements

BUT:
2 weeks of dinner menus have been written out
AND
the food to make the aforementioned dinners is in the kitchen

all is well...

feeling the love

2009-05-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Sophie made my bed and added a huge heart shaped out of ribbon on it too

Sometimes a Mama's heart could almost explode with love...

quick trip to the beach

2009-05-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day so a quick trip to the beach close to us was in order. We hadn't been there when the mud flats were showing before. Hannah and Sophie found all sorts of treasures and Aliss kicked off her shoes and ran with Dog. We are dog-sitting Dog while his owner Nick has the veins in his neck cleaned out. Thankfully Nick did well and is on the mend now.

the long way home

2009-05-26T00:08:00.000-07:00

You know the (i think) Fleetwood Mac song long way home? Well, that's what happened last week. My Mom got us a membership at Costco just in time before the kittys ran out of the lamb and rice food I feed them.
My mom is personally responsible for the bulging tummys of 11 cats that I feed daily. I know, I have a soft spot for strays.

Since Costco is an hour away we decided we would all go and use the gift card that my Mom (I know, I know, she is great and you cannot have her...well, unless you are my sibling reading this or her husband, but I digress) gave us for this fancy shmancy movie theatre.

We had a blast in the comfort of the theatre and headed over to Costco which is truly amazing and would be even more amazing if I had more money! Which may be a bad thing because my house would be filled with totally useless things. So bully for me I couldn't buy one of everything.
So we got the kitty chow and other necessities in bulk like toilet paper and half & half for my coffee. You know, things a girl cannot live without and decided to head home a way I took before. Or did I?
We ended up taking a way home that was the long way home. It made a triangle from the regular way and lucky for us had a cut off to get us back on track. I guess God knew how much we needed an adventure to liven up our lives and give us one more crazy memory of laughs and dorky songs to sing on a rainy night cruising around Southwest Washington searching for home!

P.S. the kitties are so very happy.

P.S.S. the uptown bag is heading to Australia tomorrow (forgive me if I already said that but I am so excited!) and a gadget pouch is heading out to Ohio!
Yay! business is picking up. Thank you!

xo

seed + soil

2009-05-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

We finally got our seed in the ground, and right in our backyard. many families are joining forces and have made a community garden and I think that is wonderful but I know myself well enough to know that if I can't get out there in my pajamas in the early morning to weed and water or to just sit in the dusk and stare at what is to come in our plot of land then I just won't do it.
Too much time and preparation when it is outside the place we call home.

We have two rabbits and the kids made sure to get some of the bunnies gold (rabbit poo) to spread in their gardens. The kids remember the experiment I did last summer with two planters and one had rabbit poo and one didn't. Guess which one flourished? :o)

We left a patch of grass for little picnics right next to the corner where Hannah and Sophie will have a green bean teepee. We are so excited!

Have a great weekend

Hamilton

2009-05-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

My mom gave me birthday money back in the beginning of April. I was supposed to get either a percolator for coffee or a new toaster oven. I can honestly say I was going for the percolator but after searching and searching and daily seeing the sad excuse for a toaster oven we used slowly falling apart. Sensibility won out. Introducing Hamilton. The kids named it....don't be too impressed with their creativity yet. Hamilton is the brand name. :o)

Shiny black and chrome wins out every time over tired old white and falling apart.
nice.
I have also been busy replacing my bag that I have carried for at least 6 months and have been told by Tessa repeatedly that it is time to replace it.

You know, so much extra time to make myself a bag. :o)

Well, I did it and I am so happy. I liked it so much that I made one with a different suede color for my shop. I plan on making a few more with different suede and fabrics and the same design for my shop too.

I also copied the satchel/messenger style bag that I designed to carry all of my college books too. This one is for my shop. It's super duper cute.
That's the shop update for this week.
Thanks for looking!

P.S. I have a bag heading out to Australia in a few days. How exciting! :o)

quiet children

2009-05-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when children are quiet they really aren't being naughty...

Hannah was quiet for a very long time in her room last week and it turns out that she was having a birthday party for Mr. Bear...and documenting it with Tessa's camera.

You can come along if you would like.

The family tradition of breakfast in bed for your birthday extends to Mr. Bear as well.

What nice gifts you have Mr. Bear. Your hat looks very savvy on you.

How very sweet of you to give Hannah a "bear kiss."

First S'Mores 2009

2009-05-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

We have a very simple fire-pit in the backyard that we started last fall and just remade this spring. A few weekends ago we did a clean up in the back yard and got the pit all ready for this year's roastings. Boy, I haven't heard the end of "when are we going to make s'mores mom?" since then either.

This past Friday we did just that: roasted smores, had friends over for a sleepover and everything.
It had been a long week so I told the kids to get the sticks and we would get to it. I have to say that it was just what I needed: to sit mesmerized by the flames and hear my kids and their friends have a blast right in our back yard.

Simplicity at it's finest...

Sunny treasury

2009-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

More pink blossoms love--
2 treasuries this past week!

Thank you Abbasgirl and puddintoes's for including my sunny yellow zip purse in your treasuries!

Forecast Sunny and Soft!

Yellow charms the heart

I am so excited to finally have new bags and zip purses over in my shop and to be getting such good feedback on them.

thank you!

still going strong

2009-05-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

These girls around here and their friend Leslie are hard core. Hard core I say. Just when I think the last wallet or purse has been made out comes more. Just as it should be.

Such a proud Mama am I.

Aliss has been embellishing her hoodies and also Leslie's and Zack's as well.
I made up some Zip purses this week, they are over at my shop. There is quite a difference in each of the styles of fabrics and trims I used. The showroom fabrics that were given to me are very unique. Just when I think I have run out of options out comes another....guess I am just like my girls huh?

community + family

2009-05-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

My Human Services Club at the college had a fundraiser potluck on Friday night for us and our friends to come eat and buy raffle tickets. We are raising money to benefit the local Teen Shelter.
I say it once again, I am glad that being a part of the degree that I am earning has me in the path of lots of great community agencies so my family can be a part of helping.There was so much great food there. We brought a big pan of chicken enchilada's...they were quickly gobbled up. yay!I also made a book bag for the raffle to help raise money. I used fabrics from the furniture showroom.

I have been sewing every spare minute I have lately. I'm so glad the ideas are flowing again. There was quite a dry spell for awhile with other responsibilities of life crowding them out. Welcome back sewing! I should have a shop update within the next couple of days.Look at this huge pancake Sophie made on the griddle the other morning.
What a girl :o)

Mama's Day

2009-05-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed visiting other blogs and reading about their feelings of Mother's Day, talking with Mother's I know and just being a mom on Mother's Day.
Being brought breakfast in bed, flowers picked by little hands and placed with care into vases, given a necklace strung with only me in mind and gift certificates for things that really need to be done around here.
While washing up some dishes on Mother's Day I found myself feeling a bit snippy with my kids (sorry Tes) because I was doing dishes on Mother's Day. Well, that's what being Mom is all about right?
Taking care of our babies.

Pink blossoms

2009-05-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

Pink blossoms, purple blossoms, yellow blossoms....they are everywhere delighting us with the signs of spring! Here at our house we have a most magnificent Japanese Cherry Tree that is taller than our two story home and just as wide as our home as well. We are so proud of its spendor compared to smaller ones we see around the town.

Every spring the children climb up amongst the clusters of pink blossoms and we take photos of them. The clusters look like giant puffs of cotton candy and when the winds come the neighborhood gets covered in pink snow.

I had tried to embroider french knots in the past and couldn't. I tried it again just so I could make some bags with Pink Blossoms on them. Yeah, now I can make french knots and there are some pink blossom bags over in my shop.

P.S. I just got a letter today in the mail telling me that I got a full tuition scholarship to college again next year!

Up, Up & Away!

2009-05-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ready Sophie?
Yep!
Ready Hannah?

Hang on tight girls!

Weeee!!

Great memories in the making...

Bird Sanctuary:: Migration Path

2009-05-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Once a year our local bird sanctuary gets loads of visitors; some of the winged variety and some the two legged variety looking for the winged variety. To get there we walk past a small airport until we get to the boardwalk the city put in a few years ago. The boardwalk winds through different trees, brush and tall grassy areas. When the wind blows through the grassy areas the grass makes the best rustling sound.

Some people travel here long distances to view the Shorebirds that have migrated from as far away as South America.The shorebirds stop by here for all of our yummy critters that live in the mud to refuel for the rest of their trip to Alaska.

The weather was great: overcast with a warm breeze. Perfect for a nature walk!
We were able to spot the Western Sandpiper; there were literally thousands of them along the waters edge as the tide came in. They would rise up in flight about 5 feet above the mud flats and fly in unison and turn in unison, when they turned in flight they flashed their white bellies all at the same time. It was a beautiful sight.
We also saw a few Caspian Terns, Great Blue Heron, Robins, and a blackbird with some red markings on its wings too.
We are spoiled with our bird sanctuary; they had a free telescope for viewing, brochures mapping out the migration path of the birds, and lots of pictures along the boardwalk.

I am once again glad that I listened to my kids and said "yes" to doing something away from the many to-do's on my list.

I hope you enjoyed your little nature walk with us!

P.S.
Tessa did all of my collages on picknic.

work + play

2009-05-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend we sure were busy. All of a sudden the AWANA Grand Prix was upon us...literally, we had two days notice. phew...the kids draw the shape on their block of wood and their Dad comes over to pick up the wood and cuts them for them.
Then the painting and putting on of the wheels.

Work/Play:: This year Zack was part of the pit crew. He got to pull the pin to let the cars roll.

Work/Play:: We also set up, served and tore down the concession stand for the Grand Prix. Several years ago I started doing this and now the kids can do it all themselves with me being their helper.

Work:: Andy came over and cleaned our stove pipe for us. Woodstoves need periodical maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
What a cutie pie of a chimney sweeps assistant! The local fire department let us borrow the brushes. Very nice of them.
Grown Up Play:: Startings of some embroidery. I am making some cute stuff to celebrate our Japanese Cherry Tree that will go in my shop sometime this week. I will let you know here first!
Creative Play:: Sophie made some excellent tissue paper flowers to hand out to a few neighbors on this block for May Day.
Physical Play:: The kids swinging in the back yard in the night air.

Mommy Marie

2009-05-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom,

I hope that your day was spent knowing how very much you are loved. I am so blessed with our relationship and what it has become these past several years. To have a friend and mother all wrapped up into one person is the way life is meant to be.

If I could make the largest bouquet from the Japanese Cherry Tree and deliver it to you house I would. We love you so very much!

My calendar above my kitchen sink says this for your birthday:

May the Lord be loyal to you...
and reward you with many demonstrations of his love!
2Samuel 2:6

Happy Birthday Mom!
Lori and Kids

while we are young

2009-05-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have this special place in my heart for children and small furniture. Tessa has a small chair, Aliss has a small wicker chair (hauled back from a yard sale in Alaska), Hannah has a small rocking chair and now Sophie has her own chair.
hmmmm... seems Zack didn't get a chair, I don't think he wanted one.

Along with loving children and small furniture I also love to pass on needed skills...like buying something for really cheap at a thrift store and making it shine again.

I like living the lifestyle that allows them to develop these skills and that we keep trying while making mistakes. That is what life is all about.

woohoo....seems my kids already have this in their genes.
I didn't have to show Sophie anything...she laid out the paper, got the brushes and paint and got busy!

A beautiful job....and even more than that, every time she looks at that chair she feels proud. I told her that if she were to buy that chair finished at a furniture store it would be too much for her to afford because it is an antique but now she has it and she made it beautiful!

P.S. It's May Day.
We plan on taking flowers to some doorsteps today...possibly handmade ones out of tissue paper and chenille stems.

Here are some May Day flowers just for you.
Happy May Day to you!

Pure Bliss

2009-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

when I can escape from the world outside my home's walls and set my mind totally on my children and my responsibilities to take care of them...solely them, I find myself in a very good place.

Even when it includes chores and things like scrubbing garbage cans and toilets. I still find bliss. You know, the feeling when everything else slips away and it is only you and what is happening in that moment?

Life can draw us away from the simple things that matter in the life of a child and our life too, but if we stop and listen we can regain it as quick as a snap...

being present::

*listening to my youngest child read to me from her reader all snuggled up together on the couch. watching her face so intent on the words and as she gets them that same face turning to me with the brightest smile.

*petting the best cats on earth...very slowly to maximize the purr.

*stepping out on the back deck into a night world full of damp air and twinkly night sky.

*pulling hot clothes straight from the dryer and folding them....ahhhhh.

*smelling sweet children as they get done bathing before bed.

*cooking spaghetti for 5 children...my houseful.

*talking on the phone with a loved one.

*sitting in my fat chair by the woodstove and watching all that is going on in this home.

*waiting til all of the kids have gone to bed and scrubbing a dirty kitchen floor with hot, hot water and murphys oil soap. Satisfaction.

What is giving you bliss today?

caught

2009-04-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

I have wondered frequently if the cats get up on the counters and table in the night. A sort of kitty party. A few nights ago some buttered bread was left out after Spaghetti dinner.

Do you think the cats get on the table in the night?

My word.

weekend

2009-04-26T23:21:00.001-07:00

Our city became a "Tree City USA" this weekend. At our local Public Market there was tree planting and dignitaries. We have a great local market alongside the river.

There was also some bunny snuggling going on.

And some recycling of glass. We have a glass recycling center by the grocery store.

We cleaned out the van too. Must be the sunshine around here giving more energy.

Etsy day

2009-04-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

I just found out on the forums over at Etsy.

Today is
Etsy Day

Etsians everywhere are getting the word out about Etsy.

I found out that the Uptown Bag was added to a treasury ....

and another treasury on Etsy! WEEEEEE!

Both of the treasuries are made by a SHE Team member. The SHE Team is Schooling at Home Etsians.

What a great group of artists and mom's! (Don't know if there are any Dad's in it)

Have great week end!

Robots

2009-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Robots show up everywhere....

Like....

in a Treasury....

TO MY DELIGHT!

I woke up to a convo from all these things this morning telling me she added my Robot Clutch to her treasury. Thanks Cheryl!

Sweetness!

Earth Day

2009-04-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

For the past three years we have had a clean up day with my kids and neighborhood kids. It didn't fall on Earth Day but this year I got my act together to make it coincide...and sunshine helped too!

It has been pretty simple:
1. holler for all of the kids
2. hand out grocery sized bags to kids
3. tell kids what a great job they are doing
4. pick up trash with kids
5. give popsicles to kids
6. remind kids where popsicle wrappers go so we don't have to get right back out there for clean up again so soon.

The clean-up gang with their reward..these kids had the best attitude.

The fruit of our hands--A clean street

Give a hoot!--Don't Pollute!
We miss you Woodsy the Owl.

being still

2009-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a little rest today under this tree today, what a view it was.

I lay there looking up through the budding Japanese Cherry Tree limbs while listening to birds sing their spring song and smelling fresh cut grass I sorted through things I should be doing in my head.

sure was a soft clump of grass to lay on...and not a bit wet!

my serenader..well, one of them. I also saw a black capped chickadee up there singing his heart out.
nothing got done here...my hands are just a itchin' to get some seed planted and fencing up...but not right now. Time will come soon enough, right?

Later on in the afternoon I did manage to get some photos of some bags that I have made. Aliss and her friend Leslie jumped at the words models and photo shoot.
What sweeties!
They were the best models too.

The patchwork bag was so fun to make. I started out laying out these little pieces of leather that were given to me from a furniture showroom. I love the idea that these fabrics were destined to nothing but instead became a bag.

I love the colors of these little pieces of leather. Once I got the main part of the front done I built the rest of the bag around it...then added a sweet removable leather flower pin too.Some cute purses and clutches...my kids call the clutches robot clutches with the grommets being the eyes and the flap the mouth.
Too cute!
The bags even made it into listings in my shop.

Lori

keeping house

2009-04-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I love moments when I am reminded of pleasant childhood memories...no bullies or skinned knees but of my grand imagination of days to come. I remember one house we lived in when I was young that my sister Wendy and I made a house in the back yard and cooked.

In reality it was a sheet or two draped over a line and secured at the bottom with big rocks. The food was blackberries smooshed til just the right consistency and heaped and stirred and heaped again with sugar. We were making jam, you know?

Oh those little girl dreams of our own homes and children...even children of the furry variety.

Do you remember playing house...did you have a child or two, three, four, five.... ? :o)

Luna Island

2009-04-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed some time at the beach today. The kids ran up and down the waters edge finding all kinds of treasures, yelling back and forth to each other, petting other's dogs that were there for the same reason as we. This beach is only 5 minutes from our house. There is a bird sanctuary real close to it and a small airport too. It doesn't have all of the sand as the large beach that is abou 25 minutes away but has other stuff that is interesting. Cement pilings, old tires, lots of cool trees that have washed up (we are in the pacific northwest afterall) to climb on too.

So you see the little buds on the pussy willows? Oh, I can just feel spring in the air!

It was difficult to lay down all of the things we needed to do around here today while the sun was out. There's always so much to do.

"Come on Mama, let's go to the beach" said by the children.
"Okay, babies" said by the Mama.

So good for the kids to scramble along the waters shore and enjoy the fresh air.
along the road there is different cement things that the city has put there as a barrier I suppose; I was delighted to see that someone had dumped a pile of brick. We want to put in a brick windy sort of path to our back deck soon. I am thinking a call to the city will be written down in my planner about some brick perhaps.

birthday jealousy

2009-04-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

I turned 39 this past week...and I am okay with that. No hiding my age for this girl. My kids spoil me...well, we spoil whoever's birthday it is just because we can. It feels just as good for us to be on the giving end as it is to be on the receiving end. If you have been reading my blog for long you already know the breakfast in bed is a tradition at our house....along with presents.

Each of the kids made something on the tray. I was seriously stuffed! It was all delicious...ham and cheese omelet by Tessa, orange juice by Zack, fruit smoothie topped with hand whipped whip cream by Sophie, homemade pancakes with fresh strawberries and hand whipped whip cream by Hannah and bagels with cream cheese and jam by Aliss.

There was a bit of the green eyed monster at my present unwrapping though. Tessa's baby Milkshake just had to have the limelight...Look at her trying to overtake my beautiful hand made frame and photo from Hannah.

i LOVE it!

There's Milkshake again trying to peek in my presents before I could get em out of the bag.
Just a bit angry don't ya think? She was a riot!
I am one spoiled Mama...that's for sure.

Weekend + Easter

2009-04-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Over Spring Break I had high expectations to get some projects around the house done and also get some r&r time too. I don't feel like it happened then, so this weekend was such a joy because both of those things happened. I feel like I really had a weekend. I got a project done with the wheelbarrow garden and had some Easter R&R.

The wheelbarrow garden got a thorough weeding, rabbit poo compost adding and planting of new flowers to it. Tessa asked me what I would like for my birthday and I told her flowers to brighten up the wheelbarrow garden. The garden is right outside the entrance to the back porch that we come and go from. It is a great place to have cheery flowers.
It looks a little sparse right now because the plants need to grow in, but I am already cheered when seeing it. The plants in the middle and front are all from Tessa, the little seedlings in the far back left corner are Sophie's and the front side corners are some lemon verbena that looked a little tired in the church landscaping that we take care of as a family, so I brought it home for some tlc. It should perk up by this summer and smell wonderful by our back door.
The kids's Bompa (Grampa) brought them 5 dozen eggs for coloring. Way to go Bompa!
More fun was had in filling plastic eggs for 5 children. Lots of yummy candies at the Dollar Tree also made it affordable.

We have a system that each child gets a color and the green are a free for all. Even Tessa still finds eggs....we know no age limits here at our house.
Hope your weekend was a very pleasant one!
Lori

Lemonade Award!!!

2009-04-06T23:38:00.001-07:00

I got an award.
Tessa gave me this award. It means so much to me that my oldest child would notice that I am making lemons into lemonade in my life.
***********************************************************************************

It is for great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
Like the saying "when life gives you lemons made lemon aid"!

*********************************************************************************
I sure like it that my oldest child notices that I am making lemonade out of lemons in my life.

xo,
Lori

pancakes + Grandma

2009-04-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl on through around age 14 I went and spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house. As we all know everything is better at Grandma's house. Snugglier bed, more fun and so much individual attention.

One thing Grandma made was sourdough pancakes. She made them in silver dollar size and also in my initial. I felt so special getting an "L" pancake. Grampa and I would also sit and watch t.v. on the couch; just he and I and Grandma would bring us little glass bowls with cold shrimp and cocktail sauce. Talk about feeling like a princess.

So many memories. I try to recreate this special stuff for my kids when life allows. Since Mom bought this great griddle for us we sure have enjoyed more pancakes.

Hannah and Sophie's eyes sure lit up when they saw their personalized pancakes...so worth the extra second it takes to pour an initial.

Grandmas were still better. :o)

Lori

Week of Spring:: cooking

2009-04-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Like many others, we cook when we are stuck inside because of weather. Sophie's Grandma Cindy has ordered her a Highlight's Magazine subscription for the past two years and one of Sophie's favorite features is the recipes.

I love it when things are written in kid language. I love to see kids empowered to cook, craft and do other life skills. Their faces shine.
They turned out yummy. And she was so proud of herself...so was/is her Mama. Life isn't what it used to be at all. I used to be able to spend all day at home with my children cooking, schooling, life learning and thoroughly enjoying it. Now life has pulled me in so many directions, but one thing that hasn't changed is letting my kids be in the kitchen and cook. That's so very important to me. Plus, I always get to sample yummy foods served to me with a big smile.
This is the life...

Week of Spring:: a child's view

2009-04-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

I don't have any photos of this week that would remind Spring what to do, all we have had is rain and cold winds. So, I thought I would look around for some recent enough ones.

I remember as a child walking along with my sister and watching our shadows. There was something magical to watching shadows as a child. Whose would be longer, what does a road curb do to the shadow kind of stuff. I guess we as adults now play with silhouettes for shadow play. Just as soon as that sun shows back up I am going to make some fun shadows with my kids.

Tessa, Sophie and Hannah were out on a walk when they shadow played. I really like this photo.

The days are sure longer here. Everywhere you can feel the change of weather is coming and then the rain and cold wind are back. I think that is what frustrates people the most at this point; the promise of a nice day and then the return of winter weather.

Sophie knew what to do even when she couldn't go out yet: find a place by a window. So dark inside with the firewood and warm looking outside.

we had hamburger vegetable soup a couple of days ago. I wonder what type now. Maybe cheesy, potato/corn chowder with ham. that sounds good.

What are you doing to keep your chin up til the warm weather is here to stay?

Week of Spring:: Gardens & Chickens

2009-03-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have taken it upon myself to encourage Spring to come along a little quicker by reminding it what Spring looks like through pictures this week. If you would like to join in welcoming Springyou can on your blog too! The more the merrier.

Okay Spring, this week is devoted to you.

We love you Spring--come quickly!

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** This past week I decided that I would stop dreaming about the garden the kids and I will be putting in this Spring and start doing something about it. Last fall I raked all of the leaves over onto the garden area to decompose..hoping it would help the soil.

The girls (chickens) did their share also in scratching and pooping. I know, I know...chicken poop but who am I to turn up my nose at free help, right? Bandit was being the boss in the above photo...she just couldn't believe I knew what I was doing but I knew her ulterior motive; she was sneaking worms. hmph..

I almost gave away the girls recently so I wouldn't have to deal with their escapes from the yard. I just can't give up these eggs though. You can see the difference and taste it. I had to share the difference with you. The dark orange ones are the girls eggs. They are so thick and yummy and good for you.If you have a chance look around locally for some fresh eggs....sooo good.

xo,
Lori

13

2009-03-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

We now have another teen person in this family.

ZACK A mug Zack got etched for me for Christmas a couple of years ago with him on it

The party started on Thursday, March 26th (his birthday) and will continue through Sunday. How great for him right?

He got breakfast in bed (mega breakfast burrito and sweet coffee),
no chores allll day,
a trip to a local mom and pop burger joint (we all got ice cream but he got a bacon burger).

personalized rock from Aliss

Today-Friday he gets two buddies to spend the night and will have a build your own sub buffet.

Tomorrow-Saturday friends will come for cake and ice cream to our house.

origami present with money made by Sophie

Sunday-his dad is having a birthday party for him with all of his relatives.

He sure lucked out!

I am liking some of this boy getting older stuff though--some pf this protective of mom attitude I think I can handle, yep it feels good.

He still hunts frogs, wrestles in the livingroom, leaves socks all over the house and knows how to cook a mean fried egg sandwich....and then share.

I think I'll keep him.

XO,
Lori

Can you smell the smoke?...

2009-03-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Seriously... I think something has blown in my brain... college finals...phew!

I had my last final today and did pretty well. Oh, how I have missed my friends here. I cannot believe it has been almost three weeks since I have come to say hi...but, alas it has.

I now have almost two whole weeks off of college. Next week is Spring break for the kids too...all of the public schools will be out so what is the sense of trying to do school here if the neighborhood kids are continually knocking in the door. Right?

I think we will take a trip to the beach rainy or not...pack up some lunch and lots of old bread for the seagulls. We love to hold up a piece of bread straight up in the air, arms extended and have the gulls swoop down and take it right out of our hands.

I think we will pick up some kites too. Sorry if this is making you sad Mom (this is what we do when my mom comes for a visit).

We have had quite the weather here...hail, rain, sideways hail, sideways rain...

Pity me and say hi in the comments so I know all of my friends haven't disappeared during my absence...

XO,
Lori

seven

2009-03-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

In our family we have the tradition of the birthday person getting breakfast in bed and everybody else in the family piles on their bed with their gifts for them while singing very loudly the Happy Birthday song.
Sophie turned *7* yesterday...oh my, it is different when the youngest one keeps getting older isnt it? It couldn't have been seven whole years since I held her for the first time.
Aliss made her two pouches and inside was another piece of felt with an S embroidered on it with a special rock sewn on. Sophie loved it and I thought it was very creative. I haven't seen a rock sewn onto fabric before and I think she attached it nicely so it wont be going anywhere.

I got Sophie a pink leotard and slippers for Christmas and Tessa thought she needed another outfit (we all know ballerinas like to have extensive wardrobes too) so she got her a black leotard and black slippers.
Sigh...
Somebody make time stand still for at least one week...I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xo

technology

2009-03-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this drawing of Sophie look like someone sat there and did a sketching of her like the people at the street fairs?
Tessa had one of her many online friends (over at Etsy I think) tell her about a website, fotoflexer that you can upload your photos to and do some amazing things.
Amazing things...

Tessa took one of the photos that turned into a drawing, printed it out and watercolored it...

xo

p-a-r-t-y

2009-03-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

This past week Hannah wanted to make a pie..not just any pie mind you; her FIRST pie.
She figured that if she wanted me to say yes then she needs to make it bigger than just her making a pie because she came to me with these grand party plans. Games, dancing and dessert...see how she worked it?
a little pin the tail on the donkey...poor donkey... a little dancin and little people dancin on my feet to the tango with dips and all...

she informed she that she has this precise layering technique for the bananas...hey, i thought this was her FIRST pie. :o) She already has a banana layering technique?BTW...she did make the cream filling from scratch...the best way!mmmmm...here, here to parties!

xo

flowers

2009-03-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

I love wearing this tweed skirt...mostly because it feels handmade. The brown has flecks of other colors in it so it matches a lot of shirts. I wore it last week with my unsnagged coral/orange colored sweater and it felt so cheerful.
I like how the flowers are made with the same tweed but the fabric goes different directions to add more interest.
Last night I started cutting out some of the smaller pieces (2x3 inch) of colored leather that I saved from the furniture showrooms dumpster...cutting, cutting into individual leather flower petals. I am going to see how a brooch made from different colored leather petals would look with a large button center.
As soon as it is finished I will show it. :o)

I wanted to thank Randi and Cyndy for your kindness in my last post. I wasn't sure if I should share such deep feelings of inadequacy here when most blogs only talk about the upside of things. Thank you for reaching out in friendship...I feel encouraged.

xo

2009-03-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

This past weekend has been quite the party...kleenex, chicken soup, popsicles, cough drops, and no brain cells...at all...and the party continues.

while in the midst of sick children this past couple of weeks i have been just plugging along; trying to keep people fed, keep up with course work at college, make sure school work at home is being done to the best of a sick child's ability (no math...too hard when you can't think) and tending to the ever present pile of laundry. I swear it mutates at night.

At college we talk about self care. To each person this has a different meaning. To me it mostly means some quiet time without taking care of children...that sounds horrible doesn't it, but this mama gets so overtaken with responsibility that pretty soon it feels as if I cant breathe and then what kind of a mama will I be?

I came across this anonymously penned quote today and instantly felt the tears come.

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS.
IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN

I so want to dance in the rain of whatever storm is in my life at any given moment...not in a rosy-colored glasses sort of way, but in a I can handle this and not get so focused on it that I don't notice the daily celebrations. So far I have been doing this in a survival mode since the divorce but I want to do it in a victorious sort of way now. For my children to see their mother overcoming not just managing...I feel it coming. For some who know me they say it's already here, if that's the case; Lord help me to see.

I think part of the answer is in community. I am working on it. It tends to be a slow process for me for different reasons...some of it is just the sheer lack of time to develop relationships. Even the friends that I have known for years hardly hear from me right now. My children need to know that their is community around them too...I am blessed to be in a good church and to have extended family that calls them.
Another reason that it is a slow process for me is that I tend to think I have nothing to offer anyone. Slowly I am learning from others that I do have something to offer...we all do. In the least we all can offer is a listening ear. For me I guess others like to see a mom not giving up her post of Motherhood while the world charges her to go out and do many other things...that encourages them from my life. I haven't thought of it that way but am starting to and starting to celebrate my family and who we are too. Seeing past the brokenness of divorce into the strength of who we are now.

LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN...

snagged

2009-02-26T22:12:00.001-08:00

My favorite sweater that I had just gotten from the thrift store ended up with a snag after just a few weeks. It has sat and sat in the mending pile because I just couldn't get rid of it and I couldn't bear to cut it up for some other project.
UNTIL...Amy over at Angry Chicken got me revved up about giving sweaters new life. She even got the fur accent going on with her sweater.

The aforementioned snag was across the back, it was at least 4 inches long and there was no way to pull it back through. So I found a cover up in my stash; satin ribbon and embroidery floss.For the past two nights while snuggled in bed, right after reading to the little girls I embroidered a row on the ribbon. It wasn't hard work just me getting too tired at the end of a full day adn not being able to stay up as long as I used to. hmmm...

I like how the two rows look instead of one row along the middle of the ribbon.
Now I get to keep my sweater and feel satisfied that I can say I actually have embroidered lately...if you can call this embroidering. :o)

P.S. Aliss and I share the necklace.

xo

against our will...

2009-02-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

We were going to a friend's house for Bible study last night but my sweet friend ended up being sick. We were forced to eat the homemade pumpkin pie Tes made (you know; so it wouldn't spoil)...
and of course it had to have vanilla ice cream to be complete.

Poor us.

xo

2009-02-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

February is:: Reading

February is such a fickle month and just when we think we are settled into some warm spring weather we get more rain.
It's a good thing we love to read around here to pass some time....kitties love it too.

2009-02-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

February is:: A new banner

Yay! I finally got myself a cheerful banner just in time to welcome in Spring. Spring do you here that? It's time to come now.

I have been doing a bit of dusting and sweeping on here and when I was tidying up the sidebar I was thinking about the meaning of lissilulu again.

a state of mind; celebrating the everyday....then I looked in my new banner under the Rhododendron bush...do you see her?
There is a little red hen hiding under there...a little something special in the everyday.

a lissilulu moment for sure.

Hoping you find a little lissilulu in your day today!
Lori xo

2009-02-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

February is:: Delivered flowers

Remembering my first flower delivery from one of my children.

Tessa has a part-part time job working with her grandmother in a property management office and used some of her hard earned money to buy her mama some *delivered* flowers.

all's right in the world....

2009-02-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Community involvement

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes
I thought this walk was only local to us but at the website I found out that it is a nationwide thing. The website is so full of information about it nationwide.

I am so excited to be getting involved and my children will be there too.
We are raising sponsor money for our participation in the walk--all proceeds will go toward the Beyond Survival Resource Center which provides:
*24 hour crisis hotline
*assault prevention & intervention
*school age programs
*individual therapy
*support groups
*legal advocacy
*school-age programs
*medical advocacy

If you would like to be a part of helping this organization out you can email me for information on how to sponsor my family in the walk; even amounts as small as $5 would be helpful.
*email address is at the top right column

End of public service announcement and thank you for your time.

Lori & Kids xo

2009-02-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

February is:: Being Outside

*walks along a new gravel path beside the river on sunny days with my kids

*chopping wood to last until spring comes more often

*watching robin redbreast in our yard popping around for worms

*dreaming about planting grass seed where the grass has worn in a path to mud from my kids and neighborhood friends having fun racing around

2009-02-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

February is:: Playing in the woods

Some blogs took the beginning of February to remember things they like about this month. I seemed too busy to even post much about anything at all--but am back now. I am going to join in the remembering good things about February from now until the end of the month.

February is::
visiting family friends and running like deer while playing capture the flag through the damp woods. feeling so tired out you can't move and a half hour later wanting to do it all over again.

She did a good job guarding her team's flag didn't she? :o)

the look of love...

2009-02-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

a yummy italian casserole, desert and martinelli's drink made for my family by my two teens
cookies for my family and cookies to give away to family & friends
Sophie and Hannah's handiwork with newspapers and scissors
the look of love...

jr high boys...

2009-02-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

When I think of Jr. High ages boys I think of young roosters. Trying to show everyone that they are tough and make a lot of commotion. I sure love my little rooster.
We were given a hoop years ago...it has sat out in the back of the driveway for at least three years. This past week the boys rolled it down to the other end of our property (street corner) to be able to have some quality time on the *courts*.
It has been working out quite well and even some of the neighbors have used it.

I like it when something that simple works so well.
Lori xo

GIVE AWAY!

2009-02-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

Tessa (my girl) from The Milkshake is having a give away for this so sweet hanging heart. I think it looks like a frosted Valentine Cookie. :o)
Head on over to The Milkshake to find out how to enter.

Lori xo

sounds & smells

2009-02-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

Right now::

sounds-
*silverware clinking while Aliss does dinner dishes
*Hannah and Sophie chatting at the diningroom table
*the fan whirring behind the woodstove blowing warm air around our home
*Zack and his friends outside on the street corner bouncing the basketball to shoot hoops
*keyboard tap, tap, tapping away as I sit here and chat with you and check my online part of college classes
*cockatiels tweeting to make sure everyone knows they are there

smells-
*bazooka bubblegums sweet smell as I blow bubbles while typing
*remainder waftings of cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham that we had for dinner floating through the house
*Tessa's freshly shampooed hair as she checks on what I am doing (more accurately, wants back on here)

There is some peace with the sounds & smells of the end of the day and knowing bedtime is close...we made it through another day, we are warm & dry, fed and know we are loved.

Lori xo

2009-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

thought I would share a little West Coast winter sunset with you...
Hope your weekend was a good one and you are ready for the new week.

His mercies are new every morning! :o)

Lori xo

tea & honey...

2009-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

sorry to have been so absent...
Colds can take their time or take out a whole rank in a big family. this past two weeks it seems to have been doing both in ours.

along with the cold that is making its rounds and putting the local stores out of lemons and toilet paper for noses i am still getting my feet under me this quarter at college.
with three 5 credit classes in my schedule this time...i have been asking myself what the heck i am doing.
with the economy though there isnt any other choices to be able to get my family on its feet financially though so college and all of the craziness it brings when you have a family and are the only adult in it..is it.

enough of that...lots of frost still happening here, so its cold.

zack and aliss have tried an online curriculum through the school district...i dont like it. i dont like the amount of work for the timeframe they have. they wont be retaining a bit of it. this is what a mom gets when she doubts herself...a whole lotta frustration and time wasted trying something else out.
i am now talking with other homeschool moms to get my creative juices flowing..i dont have money to buy new stuff so thats where the creativity comes in. lol! many others who have come before me schooled their kids on minimum money and so can i. :o) that was a pep talk to myself i think.

well, i am sure i have been random enough for you with all of the thoughts (not all of them really) running through my mind ...have a great weekend! stay away from people who cough

Lori xo

January picnic anyone?...

2009-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am still going through photos of the weekend of warm weather. It was strange but thoroughly appreciated by everyone. My girls love to make food and Sophie jumped at the opportunity to have a picnic. There is a vacant field kiddy korner from us that the kids use whenever they don't want to use our yard.

On the menu was applesauce, grilled cheese (she makes them in the toaster oven) and something else in that last baggie but I cant figure out what it is.

Happy Monday to you!

Lori xo

waking up...

2009-01-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

This past week has brought a ton of sun to us. The whole neighborhood is waking up from the winter hibernation. The temps are still a bit chilly but no-one is complaining. We have sure been taking full advantage of it here at my house.

Playing::
zack on his waveboard
Hannah pulling Aliss

Working::
The wood we bought seems to have dried out a bit so we have been doing some chopping. I can't say enough times how relieved I am to be able to get to the point past all of the Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Massage to be able to take care of what needs to be taken care of around here. Granted, there is a lot of stretching afterward to ward off problems from the strain on my neck and back but---I did it!..and so did Aliss and Tessa. :o)Tessa wears some mighty fine shoes to chop wood huh? Ever the fashion queen. :o)

Resting::
Hope you find some play, work and rest in your weekend!
Lori xo

$5...

2009-01-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

In December of 2007 we had a terrible storm in our area with hurricane force winds coupled with massive amount of rain, our area was declared a national emergency area with FEMA and all that comes with that.
Many historic buildings were ruined because of water damage and mold. One of the buildings is in our hometown. It has been a clothing and what not building for more years than I have been alive. A buyer has purchased it with plans to make it back into a grand hotel; I hope that they do.
boy, my floor needs a good stiff brush and murphy's oil soap-this weekend!

I told my kids about the shoes I had when I was young and it was the 70's. They were leather uppers that laced up and the bottoms were like a roller coaster without the loop de loops.

We found them! Aliss now wears the EXACT shoes (tan ones above)....I am giddy, giddy I say that my daughter is wearing the shoes I did when I was a girl. Sophie and Hannah also got shoes. Leather shoes for $5.

my word....

Hannah owns the ones in this picture. The minutes she saw them she said *oh mom!, they are perfect reporter shoes!*
That's my girl...the same one who loves to set up her antique typewriter and have a cup of coffee (mostly milk) to type out the news.

The owners 0f the building have been selling off furniture that decorated the old hotel rooms and odds and ends in getting ready for the new owners. There are many things that I would LOVE to have, one of them being the be-u-tiful metal bedframe for $199. Oh my gosh....well worth the price they put on it but out of mine.

I love it that my children share a piece of my childhood.
Lori xo

warning: don't read if you are a vegetarian

2009-01-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying my new stove/oven. Kinda glad the other one gave out, although I could have lived without using a toaster oven for 2 days, but we lived. Made a ham and rubbed brown sugar alllll over it too...

I even got to watch it through the oven window, where the above shot was taken...weeeeee!

mmmm...turned out so juicy.
Yesterday Sophie and I took some time to do some tlc to the stove too. I was taking off the drip pans and burners when she wandered in. She got right into the act...we cleaned the drip pans, lifted up the stove top and wiped under there clean, opened the oven up and wiped that all down too.
What a fine worker she is! I love having one of the kids working beside me. :o)

Lori xo

Late Christmas Goodness from Etsy...

2009-01-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to show some of the goodies that Tessa traded her handcrafts for to other Etsians yet and didn't want it to become June before I got a chance so here we go~

muddymoose has lip gloss in the slidey tins---have loved slidey tins since I was little
juicychristians made the most beautiful pendant...i love the colors and that it has writing on it.
mudhutt made a very cute ceramic plaque that Tes got a stand to put it on too.
DazzleDot's oatmeal soap..what great texture and smell.
my skin will be beautiful!

All of my children got me such thoughtful presents for Christmas but I wanted to give a shout out to these wonderful Etsy sellers for trading with my girl..(and to my girl for getting me such great gifts!) They make me proud to be a fellow Etsian.

Lori xo

2009-01-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hello, i hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Life was busy but good here at my house. We spent some time doing some shopping (quite a bit of time is needed to keep food in the kitchen for the kids-i think they are all growing again).

watched silly kitties in what they think are their new condos
spent some time watching the neighborhood birds in the snow and then after the snow...we had some Oregon juncos, robins, starlings and chickadees..and of course always seagulls. lol
we got to be personal shoppers for my mom and stepdad for a special friend who lives local to us and deliver Christmas presents to him.
and just hang out with each other (i stole the giddy-up shirt and skirt set out of my shop for Sophie for Christmas--she loves it!) Hannah just had to have Sophie squeeze in the space shuttle with her..
i am back to college today and am really looking forward to the consistency of this new schedule in regards to how the day will run with the kids at home and Tessa's job. today was the first day and it went pretty smooth all around. We got a new stove today too since our old one bit the dust...we can actually see in the window to the oven and the light works too. oh joy!...

hoping your new year has brought with it all kinds of reasons to be thankful!
Lori xo

2008-12-23T23:14:00.000-08:00

I am feeling especially blessed as I sit here. Lately it seems that things have been going wrong but instead of me putting all of my emotional energy into worrying about them I have given them to God and went on with the things I can do.
My van got a puncture that couldn't be fixed in a tire and neighbor came over and removed it for me and even went with his wife and found the best deal (which happened to be $50 cheaper than I was quoted), he then put the tire on.
Another neighbor that I have known since he was about 7 (20 years ago) came over and put the serpentine belt back on the van and then jump started it too.

The kids and I could then go to the Dollar Tree for them to be able to shop for each other and a gift to take to their Dad's to give him for Christmas.

After the kids left for the night to their Dad's there was visitors from church at the door with a very large basket filled with all kinds of savory things like summer sausage and martinellis...also an anonymous card from someone that paid on my electric bill and a gift card for groceries .

oh my gosh.... I dont know what to say.

well, it keeps going....I was on Etsy shopping for embroidery floss for my girls creations and heard another knock at the door...by the time I got there and asked who it was they were gone. I imagine they were running through the snow so they could be anonymous....pork sausage from a local sausage place, candelabra chandelier with mulberry scented candles, assorted salt water taffies, candies, money for the kids.....so much to list.

I am truly blessed. I have spent years giving to others before the divorce...now things are tighter but I still give things like soup to the neighbors, skirts to little girls and other things I can sew. Giving comes in so many forms. I am still learning to accept gifts though.... in a way that the giver truly knows how thankful I am without me over-gushing (is that a word? lol) and them feeling uncomfortable.

I am wishing you all a very blessed Christmas that reaches past all of the gifts and settles on the loved ones (and strangers) who cross your path. That you have so many chances to be shown kindness and encouragement and also many chances to give it...even a smile can brighten someones day.

I am taking a short blog break to spend time with my kiddos and soak in this season with them. I will be back after the first of the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Lori xo

groceries...

2008-12-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

We were expecting high winds and heavy snow later in the day on Saturday so earlier in the day Tessa and I took a walk to the grocery store with our sled...to go grocery shopping. :o)

By the time we got home the winds had picked up....boy, did we feel like something braving the weather to bring home the bacon (well, not really; it was more like toilet paper, refried beans & chips and chocolate-you know the necessities)

Hoping you are safe and warm!
Lori xo

kitties...

2008-12-18T22:22:00.001-08:00

Isn't he a doll? Schroder is Aliss's baby. He lives it to it's fullest too. :o)
Tes had an order for a 3 month old kitty collar in purple so Schroder got to be the model for her to list it in her Etsy shop.

Sophie saw one of the paper clock with moveable hands for learning time on and had a brilliant idea to make a clock for her kitty Joseph. A cat with a schedule; oh my.

Bedtime, bath time, eating and sleeping....if only life were that easy eh?
Lori xo

Where there's a will, there's a way...

2008-12-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

On Monday we were able to drive on the roads around here...bunch of snow scaredy cats that we are in this area. We will get out and drive in almost monsoon weather but a bit of slippery stuff and we stay home.

I told the kids that I had thought of a city park that had a slope to it that we could sled on (the kids log rolled down it in the grass this summer). I just took it for granted that there would actually be snow when we got there.

We loaded up the sleds (after duct taping them), hot cocoa and a couple neighbor kids and we were off.
Only thing is when we got there the slope was bare...all the snow was in the play-park area. So we imported it....we all grabbed our sleds and made our own slopes. ha! There was us and another neighbor family and some strangers and we all worked together to be able to play.

Zack did some red-neck snowboarding on the red plastic toboggan....he got pretty good by the end of the day too.
And more hot cocoa all the way around! It was fun!
Lori xo

disclaimer: when you add cinnamon to a pumper thermos the cinnamon sinks into a slippery mass in the bottom--my condolences to the person who gets that in the bottom of their cup. glad it wasn't me...phew

On Display...

2008-12-16T20:23:00.000-08:00

Remember a few posts back when I said that I was excited to have a display at an Art Gallery?...Harbor Art Gallery to be exact....HAG for short. Love that...
Aliss, Tessa and I went to the opening reception there and met a few of the other local artists. I am happy that I put a basket there with a few of Sophie and Hannah's creations. They each sold something that first night. See my display rack? I got it at a local going out of business sale for a whole $15. I am soooo glad that I stopped in and got it. At the time I thought I was crazy but sometimes a little craziness pays off huh?
This last photo is of Tessa at the College Holiday Bazaar. Everyone loved her booth and I loved being able to chat with her and share a burger for the afternoon.
Lori xo

Cocoa-y Goodness...

2008-12-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

We get snow about twice a year for about...one day. Well, not this time. We have had snow for two whole days! I thought is would be fun to make cocoa for my kids and all of the neighborhood kids too.

canning jars worked great for a big group like that...

it was a hit, and a hit again the second time and third time I have stepped out on the front porch and yelled "H-O-T C-O-C-O-A!" the last two days.secret ingredients::vanilla flavored coffee syrup and cinnamon....sprinkles dont hurt either. :o)

Lori xo

Man of the house...

2008-12-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

Zack is now the head decorator of the outside lights at Christmas...great job for a 12 year old, don'tcha think?
Lori xo

Handmade Christmas Tags...

2008-12-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I found myself with a bit of time to wrap presents without little eyes around peeking from other rooms. Hearing the rustling of the paper and thinking of all the excitement that will come on Christmas morning in our livingroom had me lingering on the tags a bit longer. Usually I cut a square out of wrapping paper and fold it in half for the tag. this year was a whole bunch more fun!
Christmas StarChristmas Bell
Christmas Love
Christmas Tree
Christmas Ornament

We got a bit behind on our Advent Chain activities and will be having a baking time here this weekend. Looks like we will be making gingerbread cookies, chocolate dunked and sprinkled pretzel logs and salt dough ornaments.
Should be major chaos and lots of fun!
Lori xo

Advent Chain:: Re-Cycled Christmas Cards...

2008-12-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

Each year we make an Advent Chain; the idea comes from the chains we used to make back in the day at Elementary School. Some habits never die eh?
I don't know the proper date that most people start their Advent Calendars, I am guessing it is December 1st. We usually start around the second week of December because that is when I remember....at least I do remember. That is the upside of things. LOL!

Anyway, I sit down with the kids and we decide the activities we want to do and I write them on a piece of paper and cut it into five pieces for the kids to write different days on the chain pieces. We then staple them together and voila...an Advent Chain. I am thinking voila is becoming a part of my vocabulary lately.
Our first activity was to make Christmas Cards. In the past couple of years we have been re-using some of the fronts of our cards. Sophie and Hannah started out by making a list for people they want to give them to. I love children's writing .First the fronts of the cards were cut off and glued to the front of a folded piece of paper. This year and last we used papers that were printed on for 2005 and covered that up.

Glue and pat generously...Soooo cute!
When we ran out of fronts of Christmas Cards to recycle we switched to something else....thumbprint Christmas Trees.All in all the girls had a lot of fun because we all know anything that can be glued and painted brings out the joy in us all. :o)

I am going to try and post our Advent Chain activities just in case you are looking for some new traditions for your families.
Lori xo

Easy Tree Skirt Tutorial...

2008-12-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

After years of laying a blanket or quilt just right under my tree I finally did it!...I made my own tree skirt. It was just as easy as I thought it would be because...I cheated.
Yep, I did and you can too. :o)

Here ya go::
1. buy a circle table cloth on sale (on sale is the key thing that makes it so much fun and satisfying)
2. measure half way across the table cloth to the center and cut from one side to the center.
3. cut a small circle (I cut mine about 6 inches across) in the center of the tablecloth at the end of the cut you just made.
4. zig zag along the seam you just cut
5. turn under zigzagged edge up the straight edges toward the center and around the middle circle
6. straight stitch what you just turned under...

Voila! a tree skirt.

~p.s. you could add velcro along the straight seams to keep em closed or ribbon to tie together but we don't see the bottom of the back of the tree here and I don't really care..so I didn't.

I didn't embellish the main part of mine because it is covered with presents BUT at the end of the season I may remember to do a trim around the outside edge with green plaid in a ruffle or something.

I have wanted to make a skirt for some time now and was happy when Grocery Outlet had these table cloths on sale for $4.99 each.
back of bottom of tree = ugly but you can see the hem along the new opening leading to the center circle.... :o)

If you use this tutorial for an Easy Tree Skirt leave a comment with a link. I would LOVE to see it.

Lori xo

Under the tree...

2008-12-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

Can you see her? Sophie's little head is peeking out of the "caterpillar" sleeping bag. My kids love to sleep under the tree when it is all lit up.
The story is that during the night Sophie got cold and Hannah had her crawl in with her. What a nice big sister she is....
Lori xo

Traditions...

2008-12-07T08:39:00.001-08:00

One of our Christmas traditions started about 7 years ago. We have a snowflake party.
I have all of the kids go upstairs while I get the room ready...fun, fun!
I string white and colored lights all over the ceiling back and forth and every which way...looks like a Paris bistro at night. LOL

After hanging the lights and while the kids are still upstairs I put on some Christmas music.. the one we use most has the friendly beast song on it. I LOVE that song.
Onto the table goes stacks of white paper and scissors...all kinds of scissors.

Into the kitchen now (kids are still upstairs) to make some cups of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows. Onto a pretty tray lined with pretty festive napkins goes all 6 cups of cocoa (one for me too), some of the cookies we have made through the season and other yummies.
I leave the tray in the kitchen and turn off the regular lights in the diningroom and call my babies down into a winter wonderland of a room that is all twinkly with music. Once they get their seats I bring in *the goodie tray*.

After the snowflakes are cut we decorate the same picture window in the living room that we decorate every year. We hardly get snow where we live so this is our snow.
At the end of winter season each year I take one snowflake of each child's and tape a colored paper behind it to show it off and put it in a folder to remember...for me and for them. :o)

We love this tradition so much..and it is something special made out of very meager ingredients...so anyone can do it on any budget. :o)

Tree trimming...

2008-12-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

We had a fun time decorating the tree yesterday. The kids were such troopers because I brought the tree home (ever seen a woman shoving a Christmas Tree in her van?) last Monday and we didn't have time to decorate it until this weekend.
When I was a little girl living with my mom I remember us making a Star Tree-topper out of a toilet paper tube, cardboard and tin foil. The children and I prefer to have a copy of that same star...I guess it is just the simplicity of it. Jesus was born in a meager setting and I guess the star reminds me of that in a way apart from the rest of the tree being all sparkly.This past weekend I was also working on this new idea for my shop. I have had some leather that i stashed for quite some time because I just knew there was something specific I wanted to make out of it.
I had a lot of fun sorting through my Candy Colored scraps left over from Giddy Up skirts for the stripes on the cases.
These are in my shop and a new bag that I had cut out a long time ago and stayed up wayyyy too late sewing will be added in the next couple of days. What a treasure to find an already cut out bag. :o)

Tessa, Aliss and I went to the Grand Opening Reception for the Harbor Art Guild tonight. I have already sold some things and even Sophie and Hannah have sold one each of there purses. I am so happy for them.

I will share photos that Tessa took of my display there very soon.
Lori xo

making labels...

2008-12-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that I finally went to the stamp shop and ordered a stamp. I have used my stamp so much and it has enhanced my home business so much. I bought a bottle of permanent ink and a stamp pad to go with it as I have to wet the inkpad each session that I stamp.

getting started with some spools of grosgrain ribbon, I had to have a rainbow assortment of colors because of the variety of color in the things I make.

I know that I must have squealed when these were done because all of the kids ended up at the table to see what I was so excited about. I still go over the moon when I see my label on something I made. I took everything out of my totes and *labeled* them.

The Holiday Bazaar didn't go so well in the terms of sales....guess all of us college students are pretty much the same off financially. LOL
It was so nice to introduce Tessa to some of my classmates and show them what I do for a living.
I always like hanging out with my girls at craft fairs.

I will be adding some of the Gadget Cases and Zip Purses to my shop in the next couple of days and some other goodies. Tomorrow I get to go see where my things will be at the Harbor Art Guild and set up my display. How exciting!

Off to decorate the Christmas Tree with the kids. :o)
Lori xo

On Vacation...

2008-12-03T08:28:00.001-08:00

Not Me, but the Shop...
I thought it would be easier since I will have everything at the Holiday Bazaar tomorrow and would hate to double-sell an item. That wouldn't be pretty.

I will be opening it back up Thursday Night or Friday Morning....should have some more goodies you haven't seen yet too. :o)

I am joining a local Art Guild....Hoquiam Art Guild...H.A.G. Ha! Love that?

They are giving me a spot in the gallery to sell some of my things...I am honored.

See you soon and wish me lots of sales! :o)

Lori xo

My Girls Cooking...

2008-12-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Tessa made this Pumpkin Log recently...boy, was it good. Unfortunately, it and other sweets are still sticking around if you know what I mean? Since my body seems to be continuing to heal I am considering starting my DVD Walk Away The Pounds next week. I should start this very second as time is of the essence but I have absolutely no time this week with it being the last week of the college quarter and a Holiday bazaar on Thursday.

Next week tho....watch out thighs here it comes.
Lori xo

Isn't She Lovely?...

2008-11-30T00:28:00.000-08:00

Look what a big white truck brought me. My Mama and Everett bought her for me. Yes, you read that right. Her name is Priscilla.Prissy for short because she has decided she isn't going to run for me until trained professionals come to see her.
But that's okay...for now.
I have her number...she will be my slave girl soon. BWAHAHAHA!

Oh the happy dance was danced and danced. We shall be able to walk into our kitchen and feel like baking again for the lack of dirty dishes mocking us.

Thank you Mom and Everett...many, many times over.
Lori xo

Black Friday, Saturday & Sunday ...and Monday...

2008-11-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

With this being my first chance to really offer a Thanksgiving Weekend Sale
(because I actually have a shop with lovely things in it this year)
I have been reducing prices over at my shop for your shopping pleasure.
Almost every item has been reduced by $10 each! Pop on over and take a peek.

lissilulu
shop sale
**Through Monday**


Zip purse...Sugar C...
lissilulu	$8.50


Imogene Dress in Gr...
lissilulu	$47.00


Handbag...Iced Ging...
lissilulu	$32.00


Giddy Up Set.....Pu...
lissilulu	$56.00


Sweet Duckie Hangin...
lissilulu	$9.00


Red flower purse de...
lissilulu	$7.50


Blue Tree Skirt..si...
lissilulu	$17.00


Happy Hippo Skirt.....
lissilulu	$17.00

lissilulu.etsy.com

*from all of us working from our homes creating things with our hands--
Thank you for shopping Handmade. xo

Thankful...

2008-11-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

I have so many things to be thankful for but I am going to list a few that outweigh the others.

*my children...I know, I know, many moms say "my children". What makes mine stand out? Well, let me answer that; my kids have faced much adversity this past two - three years (divorce and many chiropractic and physical therapy appointments in the same time-frame as the divorce) and aren't depressed and angry. Yes, I know that many kids face divorce and I am in no way trying to downplay that...my babies went from a two parent homeschooling-mom- at- home- all- day family to a solo mama trying to hang onto homeschooling-going to college and making every dollar count.

*My God...because of all of the above stuff He has been able to help me to see Him more clearly in so many, many ways. We wouldn't be the same without His constant care.

*My extended family and friends...some offer a shoulder, some offer money when I don't even let them know there is a need. All of them love us in different ways.

This Thanksgiving all of my children will be with me. This is something that I took for granted in the past...not anymore. I am so thankful it's my year to have them and will so enjoy seeing them sitting at our family table for our Thanksgiving Meal. Being able to tell them before the meal how very thankful that God gave them in particular to me and how thankful I am that each one of them made me a Mama.

Okay, enough gushing? Yes.

Our Menu--
turkey with stuffing
ham cut crisscross (like my mama taught me) with brown sugar and pineapple topping
wheat rolls
fresh green beans (snapped by Soph and Han) sauteed in butter and garlic
mashed potatoes
gravy
pickles
black olives
deviled eggs ( full dozen because these guys are chow hounds when it comes to deviled eggs)
scalloped corn casserole (originally from my Dad's family-he gave me the recipe...mmmm)

desserts--
fresh fruit salad-made by Sophie
pumpkin pie-Hannah's first pie to make
pumpkin cheesecake-made by Tessa
banana cream pie-made by Aliss with my mom's recipe

We will be eating as a family then taking a plate to a man from our church and then on to one of my closest friends for dessert.

Hoping you are surrounded by those you love and yummy food!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Lori

Handmade

2008-11-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

As I was bundling up a couple orders today I tried out a new idea for some personalized hanging tags for the outside of my packages when they get all wrapped up for the new owner.My mom sent me this linen paper awhile ago and I have used it for various uses since but I think this is the best yet. I had fun rummaging through my button bin and finding all of the small ones that hardly ever get used and gluing them on the bottom of these tags....look kinda like candy huh?I think these tags would look so cute on Christmas Gifts too.
A few of the latest pretties heading out the door! The package above is a thank you to our physical therapist (a Stripey skirt and Giddy-Up Skirt) for taking such good care of my girls through all of this.I love packages that are so colorful and especially wrapped up with ribbon and tissue.
So much more fun to open.

Lori

Iced Gingerbread and Sugar Cookies...

2008-11-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

This past summer I came across a bunch of zippers in a thrift sale and brought home a whole sack of them in the hopes of trying my hand at zippered purses.
This past week when I didn't have any appointments or for that matter anywhere to go because of tending to sick children here at home I sat down and pulled out some of my stash that I have been assembling for my Frosted Gingerbread sewing that I have been dreaming about.
I am quite happy with how my first Zippered Purse came out. Not too much muttering under my breath at all!
If you notice I finally have my tags. Oh! I am sooo excited about these tags and I and Sophie and Hannah made them together. A fun tag-making party at the kitchen table.
*I will have a separate post to gush about them though because Tessa still needs to upload the photos I took on her camera.

This brown tweed-y fabric is what started me dreaming of Frosted Gingerbread....way back this summer. I bought a whole bunch of this brown fabric too so I will have some for many projects, like little girls Gingerbread skirts and more Zippered purses and bags.
Pretty smart of me to stock up on it, huh? :o)
I have updated my shop with these two Sweeties....all of the sugar without any of the calories!
YUM!

Lori

P.S. Yep...that's me in the photo to the right...thought I shouldn't be anonymous anymore.

P.S.S. there is a link on my sidebar now for you to follow my blog and all my ramblings on home and shop. :o)

A recipe::Hamburger-Vegetable Soup

2008-11-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is for you Cyndyava...and anyone else who has a hankering for some fall soup.

This is a what you have at the moment type of soup.
Here we go-

Recipe:: in one pot
*brown hamburger (leanest) on medium-season with garlic and onion powders and johhny's seasoning salt

*add in three parts water and one part spaghetti sauce (I also add in braggs liquid aminos and beef better than boillion paste)

Boil (taste here and there to see if the taste is the strength of tomatoe-y beef-y that you want)

*now I add in the veggies in the order of hardness so the softer ones dont overcook.
carrots
potatoes

when carrots and potatoes are almost tender add in:
frozen corn
frozen peas
fresh broccoli

Salt at this point and I add butter for added good fats for my kids brains. :o)

I make large amounts so we can put a little in the freezer, have some the next day or take a bowl to a neighbor.
Lori

one pot...

2008-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

these past several days have been a blur of running back and forth between sick kids , cooking and cleaning while blowing my nose and drinking emergen c fizzy packets in juice. So far so good....it's not getting me down. LOL It's been a bit bumpy of a ride with me not feeling well enough to venture out of the house and not having some of the staples for sore throats other than chamomile tea, honey and popsicles.
Tessa had two molars pulled on Tuesday (the day the rest of the kids illness really hit) so everyone really needed soft foods to eat that would nourish their bodies too.
A friend had just dropped off a box of slightly bruised apples Wednesday morning so I set to making some fresh applesauce for my kiddos. It has been a long time since I have made homemade applesauce but it was soothing to peel apples and smell the cinnamony-good aroma waft through the house.
I cannot remember exactly where this particular pot came from but I think it decided to stay with the house when Andy and I bought it from my Mom when we were newly married (over 17 years ago). It has no handles...just two screws that stick out a bit where the handles used to be. The pot is thick and heavy though and has cooked more meals than I can count.
Later the same day the same pot cooked us up a pot of hamburger vegetable soup. It was just what our bodies needed...tomatoey-beef broth, hamburger and veggies with a roll to dunk in it.
Aliss and Hannah have set up beds (dismantled couch cushions, blankets and pillows) along the floor in the family room in front of the wood stove. Just the perfect place to get well if you ask me. :o)

Hope you all are well!
Lori

still...

2008-11-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Amanda has been sharing about the observance of being still in her families lives over at her blog this past week or so.

I love this...

Life is so crazy with children needing to go here and there and appointments to keep them well and have good teeth or visits with friends let alone all of my own obligations outside of these walls.
I have been creating what I have started to call *pockets of still* in our lives here. With our family dynamics being one mama divided between 5 children the still is even wonderful being in pocket moments.

Each night I read aloud to whichever child has their turn sleeping with me.
I leave the radio off in the van when I take Tes to work to leave the chance for conversation.
I give myself moments of still by sitting in my fat chair by the woodstove and reading or sometimes just sitting and watching my children doing what they are doing around the house.
these moments wont be brought back and I am realizing this more and more each day...outside things wont go away but my children will grow which makes me guard what time I have with them more and more and to really celebrate who they are in the process.

Right now Tessa is sleeping upstairs after having been on sleepy pills for 2 teeth to be pulled today. Aliss is in her room reading with a cup of chamomile and honey tea for her achy body and sore throat.
Hannah and Sophie are laying on the couches in the livingroom watching a movie and Zack is getting ready for bed early.

a little still...

We all are sicky tonight...something just got us quick. On my way home from college I grabbed a box of chamomile tea and some local honey to help us toward wellness and plan on taking the next day puttering around the house, loving on my sick kids and finishing up those last Giddy-Up skirt orders.

in my home...

2008-11-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

KIDS::
This past weekend was a whirlwind.

I have heard that life gets busier as your children grow but didnt really get it til recently.

Tessa and Aliss had a very good friend move about a half hour away. They used to take one afternoon a week and spend it walking to the library,the liquidation store for chocolate stash updates and swinging at the city park.
This past Friday they had their friend and her brother (for Zack to hang out with) come in to town and they spent a couple hours at the YMCA swimming and playing racquetball. When they were done they walked home (about 20 minutes), Zack loves it that as long as he has someone with him I have let him walk home two times now. Tessa and Sophie made a pumpkin log for a treat so it was all ready for them when they got here.

While the older three kids were playing, Hannah, Sophie and I were having coffee and pastries with the girls's friends mother; my good friend. We tried out a new bakery in town...My Sister's Bakery.
The owners remodeled it from a florists shop and made it real nice inside with painting it a butterscotch and red with black trimmings here and there. We chose a room in the back that was set up like a livingroom with leather furniture...really cozy.

After coffee, Han and Soph and I went to a thrift store and rummaged around. Hannah found a large 3-ring folder that I am going to transform into a LPS (littlest pet shop) custom carrier.
They both found purses and Barbies. At the price for Barbies there they can cut hair all they want. I havent bought Barbies in years because frankly I am tired of seeing miniature naked women laying around my house. I was very happy when polly pocket , my little pony and littlest pet shop took over at our house.
Anyway, a little rabbit trail there....we then went to WalMart for essentials like a present for a birthday and kitty litter...blech.

Saturday, Zack, Aliss and Hannah went to a roller skating birthday party and I ran errands. I think I have seen the inside of the van a little too much lately.

Yay if you are still with me here...

SEWING::
*I have been feeling like I needed a big catch-up with a couple of orders of Giddy-Up skirts this past week so tonight I cleared the table and cut them out. I am feeling so blessed to be able to sew to have Christmas money for presents for my kids. It feels so good to walk into a store and know that my gift in sewing earned the money I am spending.

*I also matched up enough of the upcycled upholstery fabrics to make 22 zip purses. I am really excited to finally get around to zip purses. I have quite a few really neat pieces of the fabric that is just the right size for smaller purses.

*I put in an order for a rubber stamp with lissilulu on it at a local stamp business. It feels good to support local business. I have been going back and forth on buying embroidered labels or making my own and finally settled on making my own because I can coordinate the grossgrain ribbon to what I am making. I am so excited to finally get my name on the things I make.

HOME::
I have been noticing some things around my home that can make it look nicer around here without spending money. Am I the only one who just didnt notice that I have to schedule time to wash down walls with all of the little fingers around here? So women do this on a regular schedule or is that included in Spring and Winter cleaning?

hmmm...food for thought.

I started washing down walls this weekend. another blech... AND washing the hearth under and around the woodstove. Things are starting to spruce up around, but I think every wall needs to be washed and I am enlisting the army (AKA--the kids) unbeknownst to them.
*insert evil laugh

Happy Monday!
Lori

2008-11-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

I bought a pattern for Mary Jane shoes for babies today on Etsy from a sweet lady at My Little Sweet.

They make me smile whenever I see them.

I have always loved Black Patent leather Mary Janes and each of my girls has always had a pair of them as a staple in their wardrobe.
Sophie and Hannah still have them, come to think of it, my only pair of high heels is a pair of cute Mary Janes I found last year at a thrift store.

I can't wait to make some of these in all sorts of colors for babies in our church and for my shop too. I have so many fabrics that they would look so cute in!

November dinner menu

2008-11-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I had a discussion with the kids about food vs. Christmas presents.

It went something like this-
me-"kids if you don't stop eating just because you are bored or taking more food than what you need and wasting the rest there won't be much Christmas this year".
kids-"okay Mom". Short conversation huh? I told them that if we can keep the grocery bill to around $600 for the month then I will have Christmas money. If we can't then I don't have any leftover money to buy presents.
Pretty simple.
So I set about getting a dinner menu up to buy what I need and not a bunch of stuff that doesn't make much more than a snack. It feels really good to know what I am making at the end of the day.
I may even do like Laine does and make part of the dinner meal earlier on in the day, or even better; have one of the kids morning chores be to make part of dinner. that wouldn't really be a chore for my kids though. they would love it.

Dinner Menu til the end of November::
tue/11-salmon and salad
wed/12-hamburger-veggie soup and cheesy biscuits
thur/13-sub sandwiches
Fri/14-homemade pizza
sat/15-roast chicken, carrots, potatoes--maybe gravy
sun/16- leftovers (just me here)

mon/17-red snapper, pasta Alfredo
tue/18-chicken enchilada
wed/19-Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn
thur/20-spaghetti
fri/21-oven fried chicken, homemade mac n' cheese
sat/22-beef stew (kinda like an Irish stew)
sun/23-hamburgers, oven fries
mon/24-cheesy corn chowder, cheesy bread sticks
tue/25-beef enchiladas
wed/26-sloppy lasagna
thur/27-Thanksgiving
fri/28-chicken or turkey pot pie casserole
sat/29-tacos
sun/30-taco soup with cheese and corn chips

I went shopping today for most of the ingredients I needed. Some of it was laready around here like whole chickens that were on sale last month.
I did go over my budget by about $40. I think that was because I bought a few things that I knew would save me money next month because they were on sale now and I know we would be eating it. Like, salad dressing from Kraft that tastes like Catalina but has big chunks of bacon in it at the Grocery Outlet for $1.59 a bottle. I grabbed 4. Also this month is a bit more because of things like pumpkin pie, etc.

Overall, I am quite happy with having everything I need; barring one of the kids doesnt eat it before it is that night. But thats a whole nother blog post right?
Lori