Plans for a busy week

My parents are coming for a visit at the end of the week and I'm so excited! I haven't seen them in two years! I have a wish "to-do" list. I know it won't all get done and that's ok. I just feel better to have a plan written down somewhere. And what better place than my blog? ;0)

Washing
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

*Here is my weekly schedule:*

Monday - Having a missionary friend over for a late dinner. I'm going to make potato soup, homemade bread, and salad. Haven't figured out dessert yet.

Tuesday - Piano student comes for lesson at 4:45pm.

Wednesday-No plans yet.

Thursday - Visit friends. I go to my piano lesson in the evening.

Friday - Visit friends in the morning. Get-together with some church friends at our house, in the evening. I need to plan some simple "make ahead" food. Any ideas?!

Saturday - My family arrives!

Stove
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Here is my To-Do List in no particular order. I'm not going to type out the obvious laundry, daily cleaning and schoolwork items that we will do as well. There is an * by the ones I'm in the process of working on.

~Stress about my to-do list
~Weed jungle (AKA: my gardens)
~Dry Herbs and hang in kitchen
~Tidy up Garage
~Clean out fridge
~Organize Pantry
~Work on baby gift for my sister
~Clean out van (It may be easier to just buy a new van.)
~Plan out menu for Friday night
~Organize linen closet
~Clean out bedroom closets so guests have a place for their things
~Go grocery shopping

I guess I should get busy!

Photos can be found at Art.com

September 11, 06

Five years ago, I was recovering from gallbladder surgery. My mom was in town to help me with things and we decided to watch the news before starting our day. Little did we know, that the news was going to be so horrifying.

Here are some scrapbook pages I made shortly after 9/11. I remember being scared when we took a simple trip to the grocery store to get the newspaper for these clippings.

Book
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

I printed out a timeline of the day and also the President's "Address to the Nation."

Book
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Please say a prayer for all those who lost loved ones that day and for the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to serve our country.

We will never forget.

Saturday, September 9, 06

Autumn
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

~I am hearing...Faith Hill's "Cry" CD

~A Thought Crossing my mind...I should go to bed. ;0)

~What I did today...Used my Starbuck's gift certificate on a Frappachino.

~On My Desk...Two letters I recieved today.

~The Children are...Sound asleep.

~I Awoke to...Grace wanting to snuggle.

~In The Piesafe...Banana Bread

~In the Tart Burner...Pumpkin Spice

~Tomorrow In Brief...Church and Sunday dinner.

Photos can be found at Art.com

A Special Friend

Have you ever made a new friend and it feels like you've known each other forever? Let me tell you about my friend Tina. We met online less than a year ago, but I know that when we meet in person someday (hopefully soon!), we are going to have such fun hanging out together. She always makes me smile, well, actually laugh out loud! She has a wonderful sense of humor!

I got a surprise in the mail this week.

Tina sent me this beautiful cornicopia pumpkin lantern, along with the pretty fall leaves and vegetables. I love how the lantern looks all lit up.

Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

She also sent me a sweet wren teatowel (she knows I love birds!), three books for me to read to the girls and Benjamin. We read Henry Huggins earlier this year and loved it. She sent the sequel and also two books about Ramona, the neighbor girl, two postcard art books for our schoolwork, a pumpkin cookie candle that smells amazing, fall leaf post-its, pens and candy. Well, the candy is all gone. ;0) There is one lonely wrapper in the dish!

One of my favorite gifts is the cute pumpkin teacup. Tina got one for herself too so we can be reminded of each other while we drink tea. :0) I have already enjoyed a cup of "Constant Comment" in mine!

Gifts
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Speaking of Tina's wonderful sense of humor, she sent three more special things. Can you spot them in the photo? Hehehe. Grace, Emily and Benjamin say "Thank you Miss Tina! We love our new teeth!"

Teeth
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts, Tina! I love everything and you really made my day! You are such a thoughtful friend and I am so thankful to have met you!

"Sew" Happy!

The girls and I got some sewing done this past Labor Day weekend. We are huge fans of Laura Ingalls Willder and the girls have been wanting “Mary and Laura” pinafore aprons. I decided to be brave and get out the pattern my friend Revee loaned me. I have to admit to not being able to follow the directions at all. I saw words like bias, interfacing and buttoned yoke and I started feeling a little dizzy!! I will learn what those words mean someday, but in the meantime, my girls just wanted some simple aprons. Grace chose a pretty blue calico print.

Grace
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Emily liked the pink gingham fabric. Those “puckers” you see around the armholes and neckline are actually
“mini ruffles.” ;0) Grace and Emily are very happy with them and that’s all that matters!

Emily
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Benjamin isn’t interested in any sewing business but he did want to share what he made at Home Depot this past Saturday. He loves going to his woodworking class. He recieves a new badge on his apron everytime he makes something new. The birds will have a nice home to build a nest in next spring!

Benjamin
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

I also made myself a fall apron. It is lined in red fabric which makes it feel more sturdy. I had a little fabric leftover. I could either make 4 large napkins or 8 small ones. 4 napkins don’t do me any good around here so I went for the smaller size! I am happy to report that almost all of them ended up the same size. That is a good thing. :0)

Apron
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

I’m going to make some new pillow covers for the furniture on my back porch. I couldn’t resist this fabric on the $2.00 table. The beige and burgundy will be for the large cushions and I will be able to use them all the way through Christmas and the winter months. The only thing I will change out are the throw pillows. I got the leaf print for those. Oh, and for those of you who are keeping track, I ripped out 1, 858 stitches this weekend. ;0)

Fabric
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Next up: A fall wreath and flower arrangment for my entry table.