Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tis the season



I have really been bad at keeping up with the bloging world latley but tis the season to be busy.  I am going to be making these cute little yummies with my kiddos.  I found the idea HERE. Now the trick is going to be delivering them the same day we make them.  MMMM... why are there not more hours in each day?

I thought I would share another one of my favorite Christmas stories, EnJoy!

Pattern of Love

I didn't question Timmy, age nine, or his seven-year-old brother Billy about the brown wrapping paper they passed back and forth between them as we visited each store.


Every year at Christmas time, our service club takes the needy children in our town on a personally conducted shopping tour. I was assigned Timmy and Billy, whose father was out of work. After giving them the allotted $4 each, we began our trip. At different stores I made suggestions, but always their answer was a solemn shake of the head, no. Finally I asked, "Where would you suggest we look?"


"Could we go to a shoe store, sir?" answered Timmy, "we'd like a pair of shoes for our Daddy so he can go to work."


In the shoe store the clerk asked what the boys wanted. Out came the brown paper. "We want a pair of work shoes to fit this foot." Billy explained that it was a pattern of their Daddy's foot. They had drawn it while he was asleep in a chair.


The clerk held the paper against a measuring stick, then walked away. Soon he came with an open box. "Will these do?" he asked. Timmy and Billy handled the shoes with great eagerness.


"How much do they cost?" asked Billy.


Then Timmy saw the price on the box. "They're $16.95," he said in dismay. "We only have $8."


I looked at the clerk and he cleared his throat. "That's the regular price," he said, "but they're on sale for $3.98, today only." Then with shoes happily in hand the boys bought gifts for their mother and two little sisters. Not once did they think of themselves.


The day after Christmas the boys' father stopped me on the street. The new shoes were on his feet, gratitude was in his eyes. "I just thank Jesus for people who care," he said.


"And I thank Jesus for your two sons," I replied. "They taught me more about Christmas in one evening than I had learned in a lifetime."

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Shop and Hop

Come to shop and hop Tuesday December 13 from 10 to noon at my house 4023 lilac lane
I will have all my 2011 inventory marked down 10 to 50% off
Once you are done scoring some sweet Leila Birds Nest deals at my house, hop on over to Melissa Quigleys right next door and snag some Hollyhocks and Honeybee goods. Visit the H&H blog to enter a super cute giveaway.






Photos by Rachel Penrod Photography


ALL 2011 inventory-
-Platers
-Broches
-Hair clips
-Head bands
-Banners
-Baby tees
-Tees sizes xs-xl
-Jewelry
-Apothecary jars
This is a once a year event.  The shop and hop on Lilac lane, don't miss it next tuesday! 

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Welcome December

December always sneaks up on me.  We all love to get out the Christmas bins and it soon feels like Christmas.  We have a few traditions in our home, one is this sweet little advent garland.  Tiny little mittens and hats are filled with a small treat for each day.  Surprisingly the kids are good about not eating more than that days treat.


This year we moved our  church bench to our entry way.  I must say I am really liking it there. Right now the pine garland is deterring the children from climbing on the stair rail.  I think we will have to put it back when Christmas is over, but in the future when I don't have to worry about little ones nose diving over the rail we might just move it over there.


I am thankful for wonderful friends who gave us this poinsettia and helped make our home feel like the holidays.  I typically find some project to do each holiday season.  I got this grab bag of fabric from the Hive and made myself a festive table runner.  Our home is feeling so festive.


Our home of course is filled with wonderful Hollyhocks and Honeybee creations.  I look forward to pulling this Hang YouR StocKiNgs sign out of the Christmas bins.  How cute is this old cooler box?  My sweet brother know's my love of old thing and gave it to me the other day! 


This is our mantel down stairs.  I am loving this plastic dear I found at Emilie Jayne consignment.


One of our other traditions is an advent book some of our friends gave us years ago.  It is filled with 25 stories that never fail to get us in the Christmas mood.  I want to share with you Dec. 2nd story. It is one of my favorites.  I posted this on my family blog last year so if you are a follower of that blog sorry for the repeat.  I never get tired of this story, it always brings tears to my eyes and fills my heart with gratitude. So.. EnJoY and may your holiday be filled with love and happiness!

The Christmas I Remember Best
By Ivan T. Anderson


When the Allied forces made their big push into Germany, it was the duty of my military police battalion to take prisoners from the front lines into crudely constructed stockades. I shall never forget December 24, 1944 and the German prisoner of war who helped to make it more memorable for me.

It was a bitter cold night and I found myself on duty helping to guard more than twelve hundred German prisoners. To say we were a homesick group of men would be an understatement. The fact that is was Christmas Eve only added to our depression. One of our company, a man from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, stopped blowing on his hands long enough to say, “What a cold, miserable Christmas! Just because we are stuck out here doesn’t mean we can’t do something about it. I’m going out and find a tree.”

“Forget it!” another M.P. shouted. “There are no trees around here; besides, we haven’t anything to decorate with anyway.”

Not to be discouraged, Smoky went into the darkness and later returned with a bedraggled specimen.

“You call that thing a tree?” our heckler continued. “In Texas we’d plow that under for a bush.”

With a positive attitude, Smoky began to decorate his tree with ornaments made from gum wrappers, candy wrappers, etc. Several of the men not stationed directly at the stockade began to help our zealous friend with his seemingly impossible task. As we worked, I suddenly heard a voice calling from the stockade, “American, American.” Turning toward the compound, I saw a German prisoner with one hand extended through the barbed wire. With his other hand, he was motioning toward me. I quickly threw a shell into the chamber of my rifle and approached him with caution.

What I saw in his hand astounded me. This prisoner had made a beautiful silver star entirely from gum foil that was a work of art. He placed the star in my hand and motioned to the top of our tree. Hoping he spoke some English, I said, “This star has such detail, are you a professional artist?” By his puzzled expression it was obvious he spoke no more English than I spoke German, so I took his contribution over and placed it atop our tree.

“Well, I’ll be!” the heckler began again. “I hate to admit this, but that bush is beginning to look like a real tree. Guess I should have kept my mouth shut, eh, Smoky?” (A loud cheer of agreement resounded from all of the men.)

As we completed our tree, we began singing Christmas carols, and I noticed several of the prisoners joined in on “Silent Night”. The last strains were fading into the night when I heard the same voice call, “American”.

This time the prisoner had both hands extended through the barbed wire. Again I approached with caution, rifle ready, and again I was amazed at what he held in his hands. This German sculptor had made intricate figures of Joseph, Mary, and the Christ Child. He pointed under the tree as he handed me his detailed work. I nodded my thanks and carefully placed the delicate figures where he had indicated.

As I placed the tiny figure of the Christ Child, made from a stick base and professionally covered with foil, the light from our fire actually seemed to give it a heavenly glow. I thought of how far we had strayed from the teachings of Jesus and felt tears sting my eyes.

Looking at the stockade, I saw that the prisoner was still by the barbed wire, so I hurried back, smiled, and warmly shook his hand. He returned my smile and the firelight caught the tears that were in his eyes.

Since the close of World War II, I have thought of this German prisoner of war numerous times. Our meeting was brief; we were two ships that passed in the night, and yet I feel this man would agree that our only hope for lasting world peace would be a return to the teachings of the tiny figure he so beautifully molded that cold December night. One thing is certain: If we love the Lord, we also have a genuine concern for all mankind - the two are synonymous.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Bunk Beds Complet!

I have been wanting to build some bunk beds in my boys room for some time now.  I have had two of my boys in this really big bedroom now for almost three years.  I hope I don't regret putting three boys in  one room now.  There is plenty of room for all of them, I was just worried one would feel left out to not have the cool bunk bed room.  I asked my super talented, creative brother to help me out with this project.  Not only did he contribute awesome design ideas but he built the whole thing.  All of it, even did the electrical work!  He never ceases to impress me with his talent.  I really loved having him at my house for a  week and a half.  I am going to miss him, aside from being super talented and creative he is also very helpful and fun to be with.


The boy's room
Before
the bunk beds


All framed and some new lighting


Getting ready for paint


Next step ladder, railing and shelves out of old crates


Ta Da....  The finished project


How awesome is this ladder and railing system?  Seriously, Dallen is just full of so many good ideas.  This was all him.  I was so nervous about having a rail.  I just think they are really unattractive.  If you know me I am concerned about how it looks and the husband is concerned with the safety and functionality.  I guess we make a good team. I am so happy with how it turned out, it functions and looks great!


I new I wanted to put old crates on the wall for shelves but Dallen had this brilliant idea to pul lights in each of them.  The lights we got from Lows. They are really awesome, you can dim them and turn them on with a touch button.  I think this is one of my favorite things about the bed.


The room is coming together. The boys could not be more excited and I could not be more pleased with how it turned out.  Thanks Dallen, You did a FANTASTIC job!!!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Holiday Hive



Are you coming????  It is tomorrow!  I can't believe it is here, the holiday Hive.  I have been VeRy BuSy creating new fun things for this event.  These ruffle scarves are made out of super soft jersey knit.  They make for a comfy accessory.




Fabulous bib necklaces.  Twilight fans come on time I made a few special things for you with the new movie coming out and all.  I can't wait to get my ticket.


Well, I am off to my date with my sewing machine, we have been seeing a lot each other the lately.  

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Small Sampling

I do realize I have been really bad at posting on my blog lately.  I think my time is always full but lately I find myself so ready to hit the hay after the kiddos go to sleep  I have indulged in going to sleep and my blog has suffered from that.  I thought I would let you in on a few things I have been busing myself with.


The boutique at the beginning of October went really well.  I couldn't have pulled it off with out some special friends and of course my amazing mother for not only hosting the boutique at her house but staying up until 3 in the morning helping me with last minuet things.  Mom you are the best!  I brought little M.Q. along with me.  This girl is a God send to me! She is always so helpful, sweet and happy. 


One last time out on the boat.  I love boating in the fall.  The water is cold but it feels so nice to breath in the crisp air and snuggle up in a cosy sweater when you get out of the water.


A day trip down to Linden to check out Spark #3 artisan market.  I was sad not to attend the classes this year but it was still fun to go and see all of the cute decor.  I will have to start saving my pennies now so I can go next year.


Pulling of another successful gourmet club.  I really love getting to do this with my friend Melissa.  She is so talented and has such fun ideas, I love putting our heads and resources together.  I will let you know when our photos and recipes are posted on our gourmet club blog.


MORE pumpkin events!  I got to paddle one of Matts pumpkins in the a pumpkin regatta.  It was held at sugar house park.  I was really nervous about the whole thing but after a chat with some of my sweet friend I was excited and it turned out to be really fun.  We put a caldron on our pumpkin and filled it with dry ice and water, it looked really cute.  All the kids there loved me because I threw out candy!  Thanks for the idea S ;)





I traded my green face make-up for my green coat. We spent the next day at Hee Haa farms having fun smashing the big pumpkins.  The kids had a blast in the corn box.  Enjoy the video.


I have also been creating fun new things that i will have for sale at the HIVE.  I will be back to post some photos before the Hive.  Hope you are all having great weekend!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Mothers without borders

Several weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a fireside about Mothers Without Borders.  The founder of Mothers Without Boarders, as well as Josephie Daka the project manager in Zambia Africa, were the speakers. 
Mothers Without Borders was founded by Kathy Headlee, mother of five children. She adopted her youngest daughter from an orphanage in Romania in 1996.
 
Kathy has been involved with relief and community service work for more than fifteen years. Her work has included volunteer expeditions to orphanages and communities throughout the world.
It was during her work in the orphanages of Romania that Kathy was confronted with the devastating results of children raised without nurturing, without encouragement from caring adults, without hope.
As she communicated the needs of these children to others, men and women around the world responded by offering their time, talents and resources to alleviate the suffering of these often forgotten children, and Mothers Without Borders was created.
Mothers Without Borders was officially formed as a 501 (c) 3 corporation in 2000, after more than ten years of work with orphaned and vulnerable children.
 
Mothers Without Borders has purchased land and built an orphanage and a school in Lusaka, Zambia. They are able to provide a loving, caring and learning environment for these vulnerable children.






 I was very touched at this fireside.  Every photo and story made me want to hold each little child and make their life better.  I left the fireside wondering what I could do myself to help these kids.  I decided that the my earnings from my next boutique would go to Mothers Without Borders.  I have been even more excited creating things to sell now that I know I will be helping Mothers Without Borders. 

If you would like to help Mothers without Borders they are having a boutique tomorrow in Salt Lake at the Greek Orthodox church 279 south 300 west from 9-6


Slideshow of orphan children in Zambia
It was so sad to me to hear how many children are orphaned. It is not uncommon for the head of the house to be no more than 10!  Their parents die of aids and they are left to care for themselves and their younger siblings.  I thought of my children being left to fend for themselves and my 10 year old being the head of the house.  Needless to say, I had a major cry headache when the fireside was over! I want to scoop up each of these kids and bring them home with me!

Monday, October 17, 2011

The General Store!


Have you ever been to the General store in Layton?  I always find something to love there.  Now, I know  I say that a lot about places I blog about but I only blog about the ones I love. Rest assured this really is a good one.
This week they are marking down prices.  I can't wait to go check it out.  

Friday, October 7, 2011

Holiday Boutique Tomorrow

Are you coming?  It's tomorrow!

Holiday Boutique

Saturday, October 8th
10:00 a..m. to 3:00 p.m.
385 Willow Ridge Circle Centerville, Utah
Take the Centerville exit off of I15, go east, turn left on 400 west by the Dairy Queen, go north and turn right on Willow Ridge Circle
(1550 north)
Look for the giant pumpkin out front. I hope to see you there!

Don't forget if you are a blog follower you will receive 
15% off 
your most expensive item!!

Day #5 Sneak peek

Day #5 sneak peek....... Pin it, Clip it, Wear it.
Top off your outfit with a headband, clip or brooch.
Pair a tank with a cardigan to make your outfit extra cute. 


Headband's for adults, kids, and infants



Clip's and Brooches



Baby onsies



Tanks, short and long sleeves tees 
sizes xs-xl


Thursday, October 6, 2011

Day 4 sneak peek

Day 4 sneak peek...... Wheel thrown pottery
Dallen Garner is seriously one talented artist!  I am always amazed at the perfect cemetery of his work. You will love his assortment of wheel thrown pottery. This fabulous vase he made is mine but you can pick one up for yourself or a loved one on  Saturday.
(Be thinking of Christmas; have you made your list?)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Day #3 sneak peek pulse a perk

Day #3 sneak peek..... Apothecary Jar's
I use these jars for so many things not just the holidays.
You can take off the lid and use them as a vase, use them for jewelry, fill them up with cotton balls or Q-tips or fill them up with sweet treats.





The Perk.....
If you are a blog follower mention it to me at the show Saturday and you will receive 
15% off
your most expensive item!
 
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