His

A truck ornament for him. That puts me at seven.
Stay tuned! More to come!!

An angel for my angel

This is an ornament for my girl. Number 6 in the list of things I've made for Christmas. Next up, and ornament for my wee man. To be completed by this time tomorrow. It's so much fun to come up with gifts to make. I feel a great sense of accomplishment. :)

Al O. Dile

Whew. I had to take this picture quickly. I nearly lost my hand. (Don't be fooled by his lack of teeth...those gums are D.A.N.G.E.R.O.U.S.)

He's a biggun. Over 3 feet long. That's right. Three long feet of danger. Fortunately, I know someone that likes to wrestle large reptiles. Good thing for me!

(Um, that's Me~5, China~Zero)

Ah. Yes.

Coffee. With cream. And sugar. I love it. It sings to me.

Is that weird? Yes. I know it is weird. But, it's one of those things that is bigger than what it actually is...it's more than just a beverage. It's calm. It's special. It's happiness. (Have I shared too much?)

And autumn. Goodness! This is the BEST time of year. It's beautiful. It's mesmerizing. Last Sunday, I sat and watched the leaves fall off the tree. For 20 minutes. There was one leaf in particular that looked as though it was ready to fall. I made a pact with myself that as soon as that leaf fell, I would get on with my day. I would peel myself from the window. I can't remember who needed me and what they needed from me, but someone pulled me out of that trance. I stopped to look on Tuesday and *the* leaf was still there. So it was probably a good thing that I was pulled away from the window on Sunday. I might still be gazing there now. Huh.

There was going to be a point to all this rambling, but the I've lost my train of thought. I'll pop back in tomorrow. I'm sure it will come back to me at 3 am.

5 a day swap

I received these in the mail today from Jen.

Thanks for the fun mail!!

{wip}

Here is the start of the hutch project. There used to be some sloppy shelves here that I nailed up when we first moved in. This little niche is perfect for shelving. These are a huge improvement. This piece was part of a large wall unit at my Granny's house. By the grace of an aunt, they came into my possession. My house isn't large enough for them to be anywhere in their former splendor, so my talented husband set to dismantle, trim, cut, repurpose, and then REmantle them. (is that a word?)

If you follow this, you can see the dorky shelves that I stapled up. Really...I should steer clear of all things construction.

This piece still needs its top, and a door at the base, and perhaps a stick of crown and a few of facia trim...I just wanted to put this up so my parents (and you!) could see the progress. Next up on the docket is a little bench to go here.

The Doll's doll

They seem very happy together, but can't wait to meet their mother.

SSSsssssssss.....

Ssssylvesssster.

The half hour handmade stuffed snake.

Ooohhh. He's a scary thing, this one.

Be wary when you hear the rattle. One never can tell the capabilities...especially of the shifty eyed.

Little Buddy

Is not afraid of heights.

Quit climbing so high, little stinker.

His stiff arms pack a tiny wallop if you twirl him from side to side. There was a short list of stipulations for this guy. He needed not to have hair-like daddy. And his limbs needed to be firmly attached...since both buddies are extremely fond of rough play.

Two Christmas gifts down. Several more to go.

(Me ~ two :: China ~ zero)

Progress

So the Christmas Dolly is coming along.

She's waiting for her own little dolly, and a blanket.

(She wanted to be photographed out in the tree, but it's raining--that's why she looks to be sulking. Sassy thing.)

The Swap

I've finally come up with my Create a Connection Swap gift. My gal likes berries, cherries, and a wonderful slew of other fruits. It was nice to have a lot of stuff to choose from. I thought and thought and thought on this all week, and finally{!} came up with this:

A little bag.

With some yo-yo cherries...

...and a little button detail.

A little jar full of berry colored buttons...

...and a few sweets, for good measure.

I'm off to write up a recipe to include, and then to package it all up to be mailed on Monday. That was fun!

untitled

They walked together.
The hour was late.
He walked ahead,
to open the gate.
She wanted to thank him,
but didn't know how.
He was the farmer.
And she was the cow.





I don't know the origins of this splendid little poem. But it's all I have to share tonight.

{humbled}

I have the sincere privilege of driving my daughter to Kindergarten every morning. Most mornings I wear glorified pajamas...you know...clothes that could go either way, but are way casual.

Today, was not one of those days. Today, I tried. I wore a cute sweater vest. I did my hair. I was feeling it. I know that I am not hot stuff. But, I could have passed for warm stuff this morning. Yeah, honey.

So, after dressing the kids, we get in the car and head to school. My son and I walk my kindergartner to the play ground, and watch as she plays until the "line-up bell" rings. I greet teachers, other parents, children. (I'm in a good mood. I'm cool.)

The bell rings, we watch the kids go into school, and head to the car. I get my little guy buckled. I climb into the front seat and settle in. I feel something. I reach to my back where I find a hair claw clipped onto my sweater. I pull it off. I turn to the back seat and see my {nearly} three year old stinker grinning at me.

"Did you put this on Mommy at home?" I ask.

"Yes. I did," he snickers. Copious giggles ensue, from him.

Humility rains down upon me.

Inspired

I went to an awesome Hearts at Home Conference this weekend. Whew!! I'm jazzed. I'm going to be a better mother. I'll be a better wife. My house is going to be organized. Ahem. At least for a few weeks. I'm praying that my motivation and inspiration stay high for at least a year, until the next conference.

I've also decided that this year will not only be a handmade Christmas, it will be an all cash Christmas. Think I can pull it off? Here's hoping.

Not much further on the Molly Doll, just yet. I'm hoping to get a little further this week. Hopefully she'll be done this week. Will post pictures soon.

I've decided on some truck pillows for my son...have that pattern rolling around my brain. Nothing (seriously) ever turns out the way I envision, so the Lord only knows what they'll end up looking like. I'll be sure and show you them, too.

Hope you're enjoying a lovely Monday.

Create a Connection ~ Swap

I participated in my first swap a few months ago, and was so blessed! It was so much fun to connect with other creative individuals. There is a site, Create a Connection, that offers a monthly swap. You don't need to be a blogger to participate, just someone that likes to create.

This months swap is called the "5 a day Swap". (Underscoring the importance of good nutrition, and the encouragement of consuming 5 fruits and veggies a day.) Swappers pick their favorite fruit & vegetable, and you give your swapper something pertaining to her faves. So, if someone likes potatoes, you don't send them a potato, you send them something potato-ish. Preferably handmade. You also include a recipe.

How fun is that? I encourage you to try it out. The deadline for sign ups is October 7th, and you'll have until the 15th to create something and send it.

Check it out!

My budding Photog

My daughter and I took a drive last Saturday. Camera and "coffee" in hand. She was in charge of taking the pictures. I think these are awesome. I love to see her creativity blooming. Ah, the joys!

Aren't these great?!

Randomness

Lighting the path, lit...

...wicker: phase 3...not finished...but a little closer.