Woo Hoo!

Well the weather got a little cooler today with a hint of wind so I headed outside. I did a little weeding in the flower beads, in the shade, and that went OK. So I got a little ambitious and mowed the lawn. That's right I said mowed the lawn! Woo Hoo! I know most of you are thinking I am nuts. If you know me at all you also know I am! But really this was a big accomplishment for me. Since I had gotten down so much I hadn't worked since Easter and had to give up scouts and church duties. A month ago I got an adjustment on my pacemaker to keep my rate up and I have been feeling better so I gave it a try. And I don't mean to pat my own back or anything, but PAT, PAT! Seriously I am very thankful to be able to do anything at all and to be able to mow the lawn is a very big thing. I did have to take a few breaks and I looked pretty rough when I got done, but my heart rate was 108! And this is a good thing considering it keeps wanting to stay down at 60. So thank you dear Lord for all the blessings!!!! Today my oldest son turned thirteen today and I am also thankful that I have him in my life. He and his brother both are true blessings and most of the time a joy to have around. So until later hug your children, thank the Lord for them, and get out and get going. You never know when you may not be able to.

Pattern Makeover

I had a makeover all planned on some cute yard sale finds but I am holding off on them till later in the week. Today I am working on a computer makeover! I have been downloading new patterns on my desktop and my laptop and it was high time to consolidate them. I am putting them all on a disc in folders according to what they are. I am not finished yet but I have already found some that I forgot I had and have never made!! Since I am new at all of this it will constantly be a work in progress. But I am supper excited about getting things going for fall shows. If any of you know of any craft shows in or around southern Illinois I would be glad to hear from you. And I would also like to thank everyone who makes these patterns, without you I would have a headache for life. Here is one item I made last week from a purchased pattern and I think he turned out really well. I am going to go for now the kids are getting along today and I think the pool may be calling our names.

Butterfly Bush

Well it has been a very busy week here. We have had Vacation Bible School this week and I am teaching the youth. It the first time I have taught this age group by myself and I have been nervous. So I took a little time today today relax and take some pictures, from the deck. The butterfly bush has been blooming and I finally get to enjoy it. There were bees, bugs, moths and butterflies all around it. I did manage to get a few shots in between the wind blowing and cars going by so I just wanted to share a few with you. There will be more posted on my Facebook page. I hope to get back into the swing of things next week and there is a small project a friend told me how to do that I want to share. So until then keep on crafting and take time to enjoy the little things.

Relax, It Will Be Alright

Well yesterday I kinda freaked out. The power company replacing the power pole was in a hurry and ran through one of my flower beds. It was in a retaining wall, and it had just rained, so it was about a foot deep where they went through. I got really upset, I tried really had to keep my cool even when they were not so nice about it. I let it ruin my whole day! Today I have slept and calmed down. I realize that just because it looks bad now it is fixable. It will take time and some money, but I can do it. And just because it will take me a good while to do it I should be thankful that with my problems I am still able to do it. Even if I can not get it done in one day. And I am very thankful for what I have, friends, family, and a ever so changing beating heart. So I took my camera out to shoot some of the flowers that are looking beautiful today. And it reminded me, as it should us all, God is in control and he is good! Don't sweat the small stuff it is just not that important. And the rest is already being taken care of.

I need a break!

Well after several weeks of sick kids, sick husband, busy vacation, pool trouble, and car trouble I needed a time-out! So I took a few minutes and set down to check out a few new patterns. I know that this ultimately leads to more to do but it is relaxing for a while. And right now the kids are actually getting along so I am taking advantage of it. I got a few pattens for Halloween. I LOVE fall and I can't wait to try them out. I got some bat and spider bowl fillers, pumpkins and crows. And since I can't buy them all I made a note of several others I will be getting soon. A really good friend also hooked my up with some really old brown bottles I will be using for myself in my Halloween display, after I add a few witchy items to make it spooky of course. That will have to be added in a later blog. So for now enjoy the summer sun while I work on some fun summer beach patterns. And remember for adults a time out is a good thing!!!

Chicken & Rice

Ok, I know this is Saturday not Friday. I got a little busy yesterday. I still wanted to share this recipe with you. I just love it! Ingredients: 3 chicken tenders, Mrs Dash, boil in bag rice, green onions, and chicken broth. First I sprinkle the tenders with Mrs Dash seasoning and cook in microwave till done. I boil my rice in the chicken broth, also in the microwave, and drain. I cut up the chicken and mix it in with the rice. I then chop two green onions and cook in microwave for forty seconds. I then mix them in the rice and chicken. And that is it! Fast, simple and delicious! I have tried this recipe before and it was good but when I added the fresh green onions from the garden it made a world of difference. In the picture I added a few chopped tomatoes. Enjoy!

Breakfast

Well today was the official last day of school for the kids. They only had to go for a few hours so I had to craft fast! I threw together some breakfast bow fillers that were on order. I had a lot of fun doing them and their look changed several times before they were done. That is one of the things I like about making crafts you get to see the personality come out on each one. And none of them are ever the same. Today's craft was eggs, sausage and biscuits. And I love how they turned out! Throw them in a small cast iron skillet on a bread board and you are set. I think I may try some hot cakes and sausage links next. Well that is right after I feed my husband. I have been making and baking so many fake foods he has to ask if you can eat it when I am in the kitchen now. He said they are no good to him unless you can eat it! I think it was the fake ham in the oven the other day that caught his attention. Just gotta love men, on most days anyway. Maybe I should make the loaves of (fake) bread while he is at work. Well I am off to spend some time with the kids. I think we are going to have a great summer, if I can keep them home that is. I will be back Friday with a recipe I used on our first garden harvest. Until then hug the kids and keep on crafting!