Show and Tell Friday!

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.


Today I am sharing an early birthday present that my email friend, Cathy made for me. She wrapped it with pretty yellow (my favorite color) paper and ribbon.


A homemade butterfly themed "collage book." Cathy filled it with poetry, artwork and beautiful embellishments. Take a peek inside...










Isn't it wonderful?! Cathy put a lot of hard work and love into it and I am thankful for her thoughtfulness and friendship. Thank you for taking a look at my show and tell!


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Homemade Cards~Paper Crafting Thursday

The winners of last week's paper crafting are Michelle and Hannah. Please email me your addresses and I'll get your prizes in the mail!


Welcome to this week's homemade card project! I made Valentine cards, but any kind of paper, stamps, or stickers will work.


You will need a blank 5 1/2" x 4" notecard.


Cut 2- 1 1/4" x 5 1/4" strips of scrapbooking paper and 1- 2" x 5 1/4" strip from coordinating paper.


Shade the edges with an ink pad, if desired.


Glue smaller strips to front of card, as shown.


Glue the remaining strip in the center.


Cut a small oval from cardstock (size with depend on the stamp or stickers you use.) Add stamp or stickers.


Glue to front of card.


I also added a tiny gem.


Another version.


A vintage style bird version.

~More Homemade Cards~

A few more things I've made recently...

New baby petite notecards.


Little Women greeting card.


Secret Garden greeting card.


Paper doll fabric notecards.


Items can be found in my Etsy Shop! Thank you for stopping by for a visit!

Paper Craft Fun: Post any kind of paper craft (card, bookmark, tag, banner, journal, etc.) on your blog between now and next week and come sign Mr. Linky. Next Thursday, I will draw two of the names and the winners will receive supplies for a homemade card: blank notecard, envelope, and an assortment of scrapbook paper, stickers (or stamped images), and ribbon. Link back here in your post, so that others will know where to join in the fun, too!

Special Gifts

Good morning! We got some freezing rain and even a little snow last night, so it's an exciting morning at our house.

I received a surprise package from my friend, Anita at My Country Cottage Garden a few days ago. A pretty card, an assortment for German teas and best of all a new lavender filled heart!


As you can see, Anita does beautiful work.


The sweetest birds!


Thank you so much Anita!


Thank you for stopping by for a visit, I hope your week is going well!

ETA: Anita just told me in the comments that she is posting the details of a Valentine Giveaway tonight. Be sure to stop by for a look!

National Pie Day

Thank you to all who joined in for show and tell this past Friday and your sweet comments on my baby cross-stitch hangers! Did you know that Friday was also National Pie Day? I heard about it from Mrs. U who has several wonderful pie recipes on her blog right now.


When I mentioned the special occasion to Phillip he suggested Cheesecake Pie, so the girls and I put on our aprons and got to work.

Cheesecake Pie

1 (9-inch) baked graham cracker crust
1 (8-ounce) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into prepared pie crust. Chill 3 hours or until set.


We also made RuthAnn's Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie. She uses a cast iron pan, but since I don't have one, a 9 x 13 pan worked great, too.


A few minutes under the broiler got the mozzarella nice and bubbly. Definitely a repeat recipe!

This week we'll be getting ready for Grace's 11th birthday. I can't believe the 1st of February is right around the corner!

Show and Tell Friday!

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Almost 11 years ago, Grace was born. The wife of one of Phillip's co-workers made us this cross-stitched sign, which we hung on Grace's bedroom door.




She made one for Emily 16 months later.


And one for Benjamin 19 months later.

This past summer Grace and Emily asked if they could take them off their door. I was very sad, but said yes and tucked them away. This past week, Benjamin asked to take his down, too.


I decided to hang them in this little spot in our bedroom. Maybe someday they will want them back on their doors. Thank you for looking at my short and sweet (hopefully!) show and tell!

ETA: When our midwife weighed Benjamin the scale went back and forth between 9lbs. 15 1/2 oz. and 10 lbs. I insisted she go with the smaller number. :0)

Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Homemade Cards~Paper Crafting Thursday!

The winners of last week's paper crafting are Becky and Claire. Please email me your addresses and I'll get your prizes in the mail!


Welcome to this week's card making project!


You will need a blank 6 1/2" x 5" notecard and paper and stickers of your choice.


Cut 2 - 6 1/4" x 1 1/4" strips of scrapbook paper and glue to front of card, as shown.


Cut a 6 1/4" x 2 1/2" strip of paper or cardstock and glue to center of card.


I shaded the edges with a pink ink pad before gluing.


Add a sticker strip, lace or ribbon.


Cut a oval from matching cardstock (approx. 3 1/2" x 2 3/4") and glue to center of strip.


Add more stickers.


Send to a friend!

~More Homemade Cards~

A few more things I've made recently...






Items can be found in my Etsy Shop!

Paper Craft Fun: Post any kind of paper craft (card, bookmark, tag, banner, journal, etc.) on your blog between now and next week and come sign Mr. Linky. Next Thursday, I will draw two of the names and the winners will receive supplies for a homemade card: blank notecard, envelope, and an assortment of scrapbook paper, stickers (or stamped images), and ribbon. Link back here in your post, so that others will know where to join in the fun, too!

Spring Cleaning in January?

Thank you for stopping by for a visit and your comments on my winter centerpiece. Things aren't always neat and pretty at my house though, and I have the pictures to prove it!

I woke up Monday morning inspired to work on the bedrooms. The girls and Benjamin do a great job cleaning and organizing their bedrooms when they put their minds to it, but they also love to get everything out at once, build forts, have sleepovers and then leave everything a mess. Now I know why my linen closet has been empty for the past month!


I also realized that they still had all their "baby" toys in their closets, taking up storage space that could be used for things they actually play with.




I let the girls and Benjamin decide what to get rid of and they filled up lots of boxes for Goodwill. I kept the washer and dryer busy.


Even Daisy was hard at work.


Much better!


We were so proud of all their hard work, we went out for dinner and then ice cream. Hopefully it will still look like this next week. ;0)

Winter Centerpiece

Good morning! Thank you to all who participated in Show and Tell Friday and for your comments on my hedgehog collection!

Today, I want to share my winter centerpiece that I put together last week using candles, pinecones and a few other simple things.




A 1$1.99 plate charger from Hobby Lobby.


Small grapevine balls from the floral section. They were attached to long stems, so I just cut them off with wire cutters.


I arranged three pillar candles on the plate.


Along with the grapevine balls and pinecones.


Nice and cozy for a winter evening!




Thank you for taking a look and I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

Show and Tell Friday!

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.


A few weeks ago I shared a hedgehog mug that my sister gave me for Christmas. When Marie from Spun By Me heard how much I love hedgehogs, she sent me a wonderful surprise in the mail...


A copy of Hedgie's Surprise by Jan Brett!




It is a sweet story filled with the cutest pictures. Thank you, Marie!


Another surprise I received in the mail this past Christmas was a homemade card from my friend, Heather.


A hedgehog snowman! I will add these wonderful gifts to my growing hedgehog collection...


The mug from my sister.


A tiny wool hedgehog; also a gift from my sister.


And finally, a Webkinz hedgehog. A gift from the girls and Benjamin this past Christmas. :0)

Thank you for taking a look at my show and tell!

Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Homemade Cards~Paper Crafting Thursday!

The winners of last week's paper crafting are Deb and Penny. Please email me your addresses and I'll get your prizes in the mail!

Welcome to this week's homemade card project! This is a very simple card and you can get a lot of different looks depending on what paper you use.


You will need a blank 5 1/2" x 4" notecard. Cover with a 5 1/4" x 3 3/4" piece of scrapbook paper.


Glue a strip of ribbon, lace or paper across the front of card, as shown. I used hot glue.


Cut a small circle from scrapbook paper. Cut with decorative scissors, if desired. Glue to middle of strip.


I used a "pop dot" which is a foam adhesive to give it a 3D look.


I also added a little pearl gem. Both of these items can be found in the scrapbook section of Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Walmart.


Send to a friend!

~More Homemade Cards~

Here are a few more things I've made recently...






Items can be found in my Etsy Shop!

Paper Craft Fun: Post any kind of paper craft (card, bookmark, tag, banner, journal, etc.) on your blog between now and next week and come sign Mr. Linky. Next Thursday, I will draw two of the names and the winners will receive supplies for a homemade card: blank notecard, envelope, and an assortment of scrapbook paper, stickers (or stamped images), and ribbon. Link back here in your post, so that others will know where to join in the fun, too!

Thank you for stopping by!

Fluffy Pancakes

I'm not a morning person, so we like to have pancakes for lunch during the colder months. It's one of my favorite things about winter!

ETA: Here's the recipe!

Fluffy Pancakes

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

In a mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl combine egg, milk and oil. Add to flour mixture all at once. Stir mixture just until blended but still slightly lumpy. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto a hot, lightly greased griddle.

Cook till pancakes are golden brown, turning to cook second sides when pancakes have bubbly surfaces. Makes 8-10 pancakes.

Simple Decorations

Thank you to all who participated in Show and Tell and your sweet comments on my winter wreath! I was able to get my Christmas decorations down and my house deep cleaned. I stayed up late Friday night and finished up a few things Saturday morning. When putting back my regular decorations I kept things simple...














Thank you for stopping by for a visit and I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

Winter Pinecone Wreath~Show and Tell Friday!

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.


Today, I am sharing a winter wreath that I made last week.


I got a twig wreath from Hobby Lobby.


Hot glued pinecones all around the inner edge.


And added a satin ribbon bow.




Thank you for taking a look at my quick and easy winter wreath! I am determined to get my Christmas decorations down and give my house a good deep clean this weekend...wish me luck! :0)


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Homemade Cards for Children~Paper Crafting Thursday!

Welcome to the first Paper Crafting Thursday of the year! I had a request to share some homemade cards for children, so this is my attempt. :0) I try to share card patterns that will work for any occasion by using different papers, stickers or stamps.




A floral version.


I found these fun princess and knight stickers at Hobby Lobby.


You will need a blank 6 1/2" x 5" notecard.


Cover with a 6 1/4" x 4 3/4" piece of scrapbook paper.


Cut a 6 1/2" x 1 1/2" strip of scrapbook paper and glue to front of card, as shown.


Cut 2 - 3 1/4" x 2 3/4" rectangles of cardstock and glue to front of card as shown.


Add stickers or stamps.


Glue a 2" cardstock circle, as shown and add additional stickers or stamps.


All done!





~More Card Projects~

Here are a few other things I've made recently...

Little Women and Secret Garden Journals





Items can be found in my Etsy Shop!


Paper Craft Fun: Post any kind of paper craft (card, bookmark, tag, banner, journal, etc.) on your blog between now and next week and come sign Mr. Linky. Next Thursday, I will draw two of the names and the winners will receive supplies for a homemade card: blank notecard, envelope, and an assortment of scrapbook paper, stickers (or stamped images), and ribbon. Link back here in your post, so that others will know where to join in the fun, too!

Can I get your opinion?

Phillip got a new photo editing program yesterday and I'm wondering if it helps my pictures look better/brighter.

The first pictures in the set are unedited. The second ones have been brightened. Which ones look better on your computer?

First set...




Second set...




Thank you for your help!

Brrrr.....

Thank you for taking a look at our Christmas pictures and for the sweet comments! Am I the only one with decorations still up? We did take the tree down before the New Year, but that's it.

Unfortunately, we don't get much snow in Texas, but we get freezing rain a couple times a year. It's not fun like snow, but I still like to take pictures. Here are a few from yesterday...


Benjamin's blackberry bush.




Today is much warmer and this afternoon I'm going to introduce my friend to my favorite thrift store. Hopefully we'll find something good. Is it cold at your house?

Our Christmas ~ 2008

I haven't had a chance to share our family Christmas pictures yet. For the first time in 12 years, Phillip was able to take time off in December and it was wonderful. We went to a few parties, had family and friends over and had lots of time to relax.


New pajamas on Christmas Eve.


Most of the pictures involved silly faces.


Making reindeer food with oats and cookie sprinkles.


Uh-oh, don't tell Santa!


Christmas morning smiles.


Webkinz are popular at our house.


Later that afternoon, we had Christmas dinner with Phillip's family.

Now it's time to get back to our routine, schoolwork, violin lessons, Boy Scouts, etc. Thank you for taking a look and I hope you all have a great start to your week!

And now let us welcome in the New Year,
Full of things that have never been.
~Rainer Maria Rilke

Show and Tell Friday!

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Welcome back to Show and Tell Friday! I received many wonderful gifts for Christmas and I'm going to share a few of them with you, today.

My mom gave me this sweet Thomas Kinkade Christmas cottage teapot.




I'm a big fan of hedgehogs, and this mug was a gift from my sister. It's perfect for my morning cup of coffee.




Phillip surprised me with Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea on DVD.


We always watch it on the first day of fall, but I may make it an "every three months" tradition. :0)


And finally, an beautiful portrait of Daisy, that my mom painted. We all love it!


She was about 9 weeks old.




As you can see, I'm spoiled! Thank you for taking a look at my Christmas gifts!

Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!