Barn Quilt Gifts

As most of you know, we make homemade gifts for my side of the family for Christmas.  It really has become quite a fun, challenging, family tradition.  This year, I decided to make each family a barn quilt.  I love to see barns with painted, wooden quilts blocks. I can paint, and with the weather so nice I could keep the paint mess in the barn... wonderful plan! NOT!  All started well, the girls and I primed the boards in the barn.  We would put on a coat of primer every night, two coats on each side, 4 nights of priming and we were ready to paint.  The next night I put on the first coat of paint... this was great, a few more night and we would whip this project.  We took a few nights of with a Christmas program and Whirlybirds to attend, but we still has 10 days to complete the painting.  This is where my plan "went south."  First, it snowed and the wind blew 50 mph, so the snow blew in the barn and coated my barn quilts with a fresh dusting of snow.  Next the temperature dropped, so the snow would not melt and wood wouldn't dry off.  Don't give up!  We moved the projects to the basement on old sheets to dry and warm up,  The next 2 days I finished the base coat of painting and was ready for color,  On one of my shopping trips I picked up the colors of paint I needed from Wal Mart; light blue, dark blue, green, yellow, burgundy, red, and turquoise.  I was prepared for painting before I needed it... weird, I know!  So Friday before Christmas on Tuesday, I opened the paint. YIKES! I had four pints of yellow paint.  After cussing the Wal Mart workers for an hour, I realized I had the primary colors and I know the color wheel therefore, I can make my own colors! They were not perfect but they worked and I finished painting the barn quilts on the 23rd, two days before I needed them... weird, I know!  I can't wait to see all 4 of my projects hanging on the barns!

 Smith's Sheepfold

 Bish's Bear Paw

Utt's Flying Geese

Grandma Suzy has a Barn Quilt that is called Grandma's Garden, but I don't have a picture. 

Christmas Eve

Well it's Christmas Eve... the homemade gifts are complete (pictures and story later), ALL the gifts arrived (finally, Sunday morning FedEx delivery... another story), and we are loving our Christmas break.  Coffee in pajamas until 10, girls have played in the snow everyday a couple times a day, and made gingerbread houses.  We are anxiously waiting for Christmas events to begin!

Tis the Season

I love this time of year.

 

The anticipation of...

Christmas break, only 4 more school days,

making our secret homemade gifts,

the Christmas music on the radio,

receiving Christmas cards,

watching the NFR in my flannel pants,

online shopping,

ugly sweaters,

decorating cookies,

Christmas lights,

ceramic houses lit on the mantel,

the smell of Christmas Cottage Scentsy,

and the Christmas cheer everywhere!

 

Tis the wonderful Christmas Season!

 

70 degrees!

What do we do when it is 70 degrees in December? 

 

 

KAYAK!!!

 

I love this new hobby, and I can't wait until next spring to get back on water. 

These little beauties were the best Black Friday purchase EVER!

Chair Sweet Chair!

What do I do after making nearly 700 items for Shunem Seasons out of evergreens in the last month?  I finish up the laundry, swept the floor, have everything ready for the next day at 8:30pm, and sit in my sweet chair for hours... little TV, online shopping, finally update blog, and ordered Christmas cards. 

Great teamwork Shunem Season Superstars! 

Busy Thanksgiving

To start Thanksgiving break... yippee, we prepared 290 wreaths for an upcoming delivery.  Two more orders to fill by next weekend, we have the best crew around.  I also made these pies for Thanksgiving dinner, with help from my pie coach, Grandma Chuck.  The little one is Great Grandmas Opal's pie pan, Halfpint inherited it and loves to make pies in it.

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful for my blessed life!

Haunted House

I know this is a little late... but better late then never!  We set up a Haunted Garage this year for Halloween, instead of Trick-or-Treating.  I must say BL went all out.  We made a hallway to the green faced witch serving eyeballs and brains, another hall with cans and boots on the ground. The  final scare was a werewolf with sound affects and bats hanging from the ceiling.    Our friends, family, and neighbors visited the spoooktacular event.

8 thumbs up!

So on my favorite TV cooking show, The Pioneer Women.  It's on every Saturday morning at 9:30.  My life doesn't always allow me to watch it, but that's why I love DVR!  I can watch it while folding 1 of 17 loads of laundry later that week.  Last week, she made Chocolate Peanut butter Pie.  For someone who in the past would heat chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave and eat it on ice cream, this pie is AWESOME!  Find the recipe on her blog... trust me, it's a keeper!  The Lough Ranch gives it 8 thumbs up.

Sherlock Holmes

We have had a sneaky fox lurking around our chicken house.  We are missing a few hen.  So the other night after the rain, Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick, Penelope, tracked a fox in the pasture.  Hopefully the sly little devil will show his face in the daylight and Sherlock Holmes will become Elmer Fud and "Get the wittle devil."

Fire Safety Week

For Fire Safety Week, my first graders made hand print firemen. 

 

Do you know the 3 most important Fire Safety rules?

 

1.  Have a meeting place.

2,  Have 2 ways out.

3.  Check your smoke alarms.

 

 

Happy Anniversary

Thirteen years ago today, I became Mrs. Lough, a name I hear at least 80 times a day!  I believe it was about 78 degrees that day, the leaves behind the church were a golden yellow.  I thought I might shake the flowers right out of my bouquet, I was a little nervous before going down the aisle.  My bracelet got caught on Vicki Piper's dress after the ceremony while we were dismissing the guests.  Mom made my dress, the bridesmaids' dresses, the cake, and most of the food... what a superstar!  

 

 I married my best friend... Happy Anniversary BL!

Omaha

We recently visited Omaha... a little flea market, a little Christmas shopping, a BIG rodeo, unlucky gambling, first-time fun piano bar, good times, great friends, inspirations for new projects, and an awesome weekend get-a-way!

2nd Hand

Last weekend, we (Junk Gypsy Tahoe Train) visited a second hand store in a neighborhood town.  We had a ball, found many treasures, and enjoyed the day.  It was sooooo much fun.  I already have a list for the next one I visit.  My Christmas shopping might ALL be second hand... REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!  Christmas shopping gone green!

Happy Monday

It's Monday and where did the weekend go?  The girls did not have school today, so they brought me lunch today... well them and their pilot, Grandma Chuck.  It was an awesome lunch date.  This week is Homecoming for the Mustangs.  We have created Penelope's hippy outfit for Tuesday, Wednesday is western day... she has that one covered.  Thursday is wild and wacky day, she is planning a flip-flop and boot with tall unmatched socks.  As always, Friday is Mustang Pride... will she wear my old tennis skirt?

Happy Monday!

Addiction

I must confess I have a new addiction... KAYAKING!  Last weekend we traveled to Wisconsin to visit my sister-in-laws family.  We kayaked for the first time.  I must admit, I was a little worried about tipping over, but I am in love.  It was so relaxing, so peaceful, just you, the water, the kayak, and your paddle.  The lake where we stayed was beautiful... maybe that is why I am now addicted to kayaking.  Who knows?  The girls even loved it.  Do any of you know of any kayaks for sale?  Ponds, lakes, rivers... I am ready to try it!

Like I need another hobby!

First days

Yes, we have completed our first days of school.  Penelope has not been late to class. She has successfully opened her locker for the past 2 days.  Halfpint completed her homework last night and even remembered it today... do you know who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?  As for me, I love teaching art!  Only 168 more lunch duties this year!

We are trying to be tough guys and leave the air conditioning off, but I am ready to give in! 

Art Teacher

As we started a new school year today, I started a new chapter to my book.  I am the k-6 Art teacher this year.  For the past 12 years I have been in the same room, teaching the same things.  And this year I am challenging myself to a new position.  As an art teacher, I felt a little lost this morning as the bell rang and no one was in my room.  After 45 minutes of quiet, not normal, my first class arrived... 6th graders.  Those familiar faces, that were once 4th graders, were so pleasant to see.  As the day progressed, I have a new respect for all Kindergarten teachers.  I found myself scratching my Kindergarten plans and just surviving the 35 minute class period and encouraging them to stop crying it was almost recess time.  I hope all my students learn as much as I will in this new chapter!

Let it be...

As I laid in bed Friday night... I worried and thought about all the "what ifs..." what if her goat gets up, what if she just doesn't do her best, what if, what if? What if Boss won't stay moving, what if she can't stay standing, what if Boss takes off?  And at 12:48 a.m., I decide to say a small prayer and let it be... what happens will happen and we will make the best of it!

Saturday morning... Halfpint and I did some Yoga breathing before her performance and I encouraged Penelope get that goat like killing snakes, not picking tullips, as I slapped Tilly on the rump entering the arena. 

Penelope won a Reserve Champion Buckle for Goat Tying at the FBFR Series Rodeo.  This is her second buckle.  The first was 5 years ago in the stick horse race.  I was proud of her then.. but even more proud of her now.  She is becoming an awesome little competitor on her pony Tilly.  She is the queen of second place this summer. 

Halfpint, as you all know, has been practicing her trick-riding on her pony, Boss.  She has wanted to "perform" all summer.  We gave her the chance at the family rodeo Saturday.  She did it... stood up and carried the American Flag during the National Anthem.  She was nervous and scared... but she is a gamer and did a wonderful job... so proud of her!

All their riding and practicing paid off, and we are very proud of them both!  GREAT JOB GIRLS!

Road Trip

We recently road tripped to Colorado for a family reunion.  We visited the Craigs... Grandma Chuck's family, this reunion has been going on for 33 years... I'm 34, yep, been to every one.  We watched the "Daddy of 'em All" Cheyenne Rodeo... absolutely my favorite part, hundreds of vendors with western stuff, the crazy wild horse race, professional dutch oven cooking... with real chuck wagons- AMAZING!  We also drove up into Rocky Mountain National Park, we were a little disappointed we could not find any snow... but it is beautiful country and chilly up there.  We had fun riding Go-Karts, Water Bumper Boats, Bumper Cars, Mini Golf, and the Extreme Trampoline.  Overall, we had a great trip... and truly blessed to be part of such a great family!

County Fair

Miss Brett had a wonderful first 4-H fair.  She sewed a pillow mat, baked cookies, and created designer water balloon flip flops.  She received purple and blue ribbons in the 4-H building.

Miss Tilly accompanied Brett to the fair, her suite was decorated with zebra adornments.  Together they won Reserve Champion Pony at the 2012 DC Fair, second in showmanship, and won a halter in the junior barrel class.  The six hour horse show was a learning experience for us all! 

Miss Brett and her friends watched the older showman.  These little ladies did a great job.

Claudine was part of the Bottle Calf Bus.  (Bottle Calf Bus= a route around the neighborhood picking up bottle calves to go to the fair)  She and Halfpint won her age division but could not pull off the Grand Prize.  Grandma Suzy also participated this year at the fair in the Celebrity Steer Show, placing second.  We camped with 62 other campers at the fair, 6 Ditch Divas, and truly missed the Missouri Ladybug.  A wonderful time had by all at the successful 2012 DC Fair!  

July 4th

 We always have a very busy 4th of July, but this year we added to our craziness.  The girls have wanted to "ride" in the parade for a few years, and this year they were asked to carry a flag.  So we washed and prettied our ponies, sewed a trick rider outfit (the one standing on her pony), and added some bling to the girls' hair for the parade.  Later that week, the "trick rider" also got a few pointers for a real trick rider.  The suicide drag is now her favorite trick, but Boss is not quite sure about it.  She will continue to entertain all our friends and neighbors at home with her trick riding.

She goes from trick ponies to sheep.  Halfpint won the 8 year old Muttin Bustin and received this big ol' trophy.  We are very proud of her accomplishments last week.  I am sure a humbling experience is just around the corner.

8

Halfpint celebrated her 8th birthday last night with her family.  We enjoyed swimming in the pond, sprinklers (sparklers) with her cousins, eating homemade ice cream and a delicious UGLY cake with a firecracker candle.  Great fun, good food, wonderful time with wonderful people!  Happy 8th Birthday Halfpint!

Trick Rider

Halfpint has decided to try some trick riding from her pony saddle.  She is "only in the practice at home stage", but she loves to try new things.  She can stand in her redneck, rope, trick rider saddle for 20 steps.  She flips off the saddle, spin in the saddle, and she made up her own dance moves in the saddle.  Maybe she will even get some professional training one of these days... just for safety!

Sunday afternoon...

Sunday afternoon, this was my view.  Shelling peas, from our garden, while the girls played in the pond.  I shelled for a few hours, they swam, jumped off the bridge, and played with cousins... perfect Sunday afternoon! 

The peas and potatoes we eat for supper were perfect also!  Well worth my time of planting, picking, and shelling.

Ponies

We recently had an FBFR meeting and the kiddos saddles up their ponies and hit the trail.  I would have liked to be a fly on one of the rumps to hear the conversations on their ride.  Silliness, giggles, and independence buzzed in the air... what fun!  As always, we enjoyed the company at the meeting and truly love being part of this awesome group.

Piano Lessons

The girls started piano lessons today. Halfpint has been wanting to learn to play for about a year now.  Some of Penelope's friend play so she wants to learn also.  So we will try this new adventure for the next month, practicing on Grandma Chuck's piano.

Update!

I feel as if I have not blogged for weeks, sorry, just been a little busy here on the ranch!  Over the last few weeks we have...

been to "Pink Fusion" softball practice twice a week, (sliding is her favorite)

studied for and took an Art Praxis Test, (maybe a career opportunity, maybe not?)

participated in a spring rodeo, (successfully drove truck and trailer with Mom, 3 ponies, 2 girls)

visited a few greenhouses, (went to a greenhouse on the way home from the rodeo, my mom always pushes me the extra mile)

created the Rocky Mountains, IN LANDRY, (folding party at 2:00)

babysat my littlest nephew, (such a sweet little "Guy" that slept ALL evening)

planted corn, (all 16 acres)

moved the cows to more grass, (opened the gate to the back pasture, BL fixed fence)

planted the garden, (it looks great right now, with the rain will come weeds, sharpen your hoes)

completely charred 2 nights' suppers, (stop multi-tasking!)

taught Sunday School, (new record with 22 kiddos; whoop, whoop!)

And most of all we enjoy the spring weather, being outside, counting down 13 more days, and looking forward to summer and our first Ditch Diva camping trip!

Birthday Parties

We celebrated in style last weekend with double birthday parties.  First we had a party for Miss Brett and Cousin Clara.  We enjoyed homemade ice cream, thanks Grandma Suzy, hamburgers and hot dogs, and a cupcake bar.  Linds made cupcakes and the kiddos put their own toppings on them, what a fun, creative twist to the party.  Of course, there were lots of kids, running and playing, never mind that the above picture has many closed eyes.  Sorry, poor photography!  Next, we celebrated Grandma Chuck's 82nd birthday.  She is truly and incredible lady that we ALL love and admire.  We feasted on delectable smoked turkey, side salads, and runny deviled eggs (it was the LaPlata recipe).  It is also so wonderful to spend time with the family even though sometimes we do overreact when things happen, sorry grandpa!

10

Happy Birthday

Remembering the day of her birth and I can't believe it was 10 years ago. 

New days, new challenges, we love to watch her grow!

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

Round two of the chicks are due to hatch Friday.  We have 24 of the Utt Acre's chicken eggs in the incubator.  We numbered the first group of eggs with a black marker numbers 1-12, and the other dozen 1-12 with a pencil.  Now, we are having a friendly little competition to see which egg hatches first.  We have very competitive genes, therefore we will make a competition out of anything.  So I would like to open this up to any of you... pick a number 1-12, pencil or black.  All votes must be in by Thursday.   

5K



Over a month ago, I decided to join these lovely ladies and train to run a 5K... couch to 5K.

Last Saturday, I ran my first 5K.  Did I get up earlier then most Saturday mornings for this event... yes.  Am I the daughter of a DC Track Hall of Famer... yes.  Did I survive the run... yes.  Did my old, overweight body feel the pain... yes.  Do I love the ladies on this "Diva" team... yes.  Am I going to retire my running shoes... YES!

Great job, Team Shay! I am returning to the couch.

Happy St. Pats Day!

This is...

This is a picture of 2 brooms standing side by side in our kitchen.  This is when the Sun and the Earth are in perfect line.  This happens in the Spring and Fall, around the first of Spring and first of Fall.  This lasts for about 2 days.  This also means that the days and nights are close to the same length (think about it... the Sun comes up about 6:30 a.m., and it sets about 6:30 p.m.)  This is what caught the eyes of the students as a broom stood in the middle of the hallway at school for the last hour of the day.  This is why teaching science is so fun!  This is awesome to see.  This is the Spring Equinox.

Baby Calves

Our cows have started calving.  We currently have 5 babies.  Four at the Ranch and one from a heifer at another farm.  We are consumed with scanning the pasture from the kitchen window.  At the sign of any cow standing solo, we jump in the truck and head out to check for any problems or new life.  BL chased the calves around the pasture to tag them tonight, while Penelope snapped a few pictures with her Ipod.  I think she took 20 pictures, but this one she sent to me to post.  The first few born are a delight each year. 

Hatched

We have 14 baby chicks in our basement.  Fourteen cute, fuzzy, little, baby chicks have pecked their way out of their shells and into this world.  Yesterday morning the girls and I got to watch the first chick.  "It" started with a hole in the egg shell, about an hour later there was a hole on the other side.  Then it peck across from one hole to the other until the end of the shell broke off, and it plopped right out.  It was so fun to watch.  The process is absolutely amazing.  With us being at the GS concert last night (wonderful concert), super grandma and the girls had to check and update me on the chick status.  Thanks to all!  There are still a couple drying in the incubator and a few with holes in the shells.  The Utt eggs are hatching much better then the Lough eggs.  I am blaming the hatching deficiency on our rooster, Elvis.  The "Mother Hen" is so proud of the little fuzz balls.

Old Country Music

To finish up my month of LOVE, I want to share about my love for old, country music.  Conway, Kenny Rogers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Willie, Waylon, and the boys are the best.  Crystal, Dollie, and Barbra Mandrell are the queens.  Listening to Solid Gold Saturday Night while driving around is a great adventure.  This weekend, I am going to watch "the King" in concert, not Elvis... George, George Strait!  How many George Strait tunes can you name?

Baby Blue
Ocean Front Property
Unwound
Give it Away
You look so good in love
Check yes or no
Amarillo by morning
Twang
The Chair
Blue Clear Sky

That's just a few... I can't wait to put on my boots and jeans and sing my little heart out with "the king."

Love Freezer Meals

Today my sister, a friend, and I got together and made freezer meals.  We each brought the ingredients to make 6 of one dish.  For example, I took large pasta shells, meat sauce, cheese, spinach, and cottage cheese.  Linds made 42 ham balls, and Lex brought corn, beans, hamburger, tortilla shells and made taco bakes.  In 2 hours we had lots of dirty dishes and our freezer meals were complete.  Now my freezer has 2 taco bakes, 2 stuffed shells pans, and 2 pans of ham balls ready to pop in the oven and serve for supper.  Linds and I made CCP (chicken pot pie) and spaghetti bake a over Christmas break... I love having something good in the freezer ready to bake.  On those "I am out of everything," or "Get home at 6 or so," or "BL, can you start supper?" nights, the freezer meals are GREAT!

Let me know if anyone has any great freezer meal recipes, we are planning to do this again in a few months.  

Work Family

I admire the people I work with at school.  We all have differences, maybe we do not always agree on everything, but when you walk into our school you feel love.  Love for each other, love for our students, and love for learning.  We truly care about each other like a family.  I love you guys, man!

My Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day to my Valentine, the butter on my bread, the ranch on my salad, the ketchup on my hamburger, the frosting on my cupcake, and the cinnamon in my roll. 

After 19 years, he is still the one that makes me laugh, still the one that makes me strong, still the one that makes me shout, still the one I love to touch...  (sing it)  Still the one,  Still the one,  We're still having fun, and he's still the one...

There's so many ways your sweet loves made this house into a home....
When a whole lot of Decembers are showing in your face,
Your auburn hair has faded and silver takes its place,
You'll just as lovely, and I'll still be around...  (you know the rest)



Happy Valentine's Day BL!

The Ranch

My next love is the Ranch.  I adore living on this farm. 

One... we bought it from my mom and dad.  Growing up it was referred to as "Pete's."  Dad bought it from a man named Pete Taylor.  Our house sits where there once was a old corn crib.  Dad raised pigs here and calved some cows.  When I was about 12, Mom and Dad were loading pigs, and Dad tapped one with a board.  The board broke and hit Mom in the nose.  With blood running down her nose, she firmly declared that she was FINE.  She was fine, and does not have any surface scars to show.  But it sure did leave a permanent impression in our memories. 

Two... I love livestock; goats, chickens, cows, horses, and our dog, Dally.  I presently have 40 eggs in the incubator and anxiously wait to hear the peeps of hatching chicks.  We just bought 6 baby goats, they are the cutest little things ever.  In about a month, we will start calving... can't wait! 

Three... I truly believe some of my most wonderful memories, life learning lessons, and hardest work happened because I grew up on a farm not far from this Ranch.  Where else in the world does a peeping chick or a calf's first breath make all the difference in the world?

Simple Church

I love our little, simple, country church.  Of all the places to love, it is simply one of my favorites.  I remember going as a little girls, I still see my first Sunday teacher most Sundays.  I walked down it's red aisle with my dad to marry my husband.  At the Christmas program, my grandma was one of three grandparents that had four generations present.  Our family has out-grown the back pew at the Easter Sunrise Service.  Our girls were baptized there.  Smiles of friends and neighbors greet us each week.  It's peacefulness is simply amazing. 

Vintage Campers

I absolutely LOVE vintage campers.  The challenge, the what in the world are you thinking, is that yours, the knee slapping old ladies... it makes me smile.  Our first camper, the IH, still holds a special place in my heart.  I will never forget the look on BL's face when we pulled home the "project."  Our newest 1972 model is the cat's meow.  Some may think it looks like a Taco Wagon, but to me it's heaven.  Restoring vintage campers is my dream job, but not on a high demand.  I have a new project this spring... I can't wait.  The neighbors are joining the Ditch Diva Club. Nothing makes me more proud then to see a campground with a bunch of Ditch Divas there.  We need a banner.  I think there might be a market for Ditch Diva t-shirts?

Top 5

I love my daily commute.  Here is a list of the Top 5 funnies from my daily commute over the past 12 years...

1.  the slip and slide in Pulaski at the construction site
2.  passing a tractor on the side of the road and realizing it was Dad
3.  watching a car completely destroy the road sign (no one was hurt)
4.  seeing a lady in the ditch, we stopped to assist, I asked her if she was alright, she replied that she wasn't to good, I asked how I could help... she replied that she wasn't hurt, just not to good (why was she driving?)
5.  my partner in crime reading a book, while I drive or vise versa. 

Everyday is an adventure!

Halfpint

My next love post is about my baby.  Weighing in to the world at 9lbs, 9oz, who would have know she would be a lean, mean second grader.  Halfpint is an energetic, creative, and full of pee and vinegar.  I love that she keeps us on our toes, is up for any new challenge, and has an imagination as big as the moon.  Her twinkling eyes and bright smile says it all.  She speaks her mind... good or bad, nothing is left in the dark.  Halfpint has the softest cheeks one could ever kiss.  She gives the most amazing foot rubs every.  She even designed and created her own Massage Salon in the basement.  I think she even hired a secretary.  Halfpint is one of a kind!

Penelope

I will start my month of "loving" posts with my first born... Penelope.  I just started calling her that because most Penelopes are sweet little girls with blue eyes and golden hair, and they are nice to all creatures, large and small.  Plus, I haven't ever had a Penelope in school, so no one has spoiled that name.  When I was a little girl, my aunt would tell me stories of Penelope and her puppy.  I guess the name is embedded in my memory.  In these stories, Penelope would find trouble but always make the right choice.  So our Penelope, I adore her, she's sweet, stubborn, shy, pleasing, helpful, and very laid back.  I love when she helps unload the dishwasher, when I sing to her every night she looks at me like I am the best thing in the world, and when she is in trouble, she crumbles.  When she was 5 months old, she would sit on the floor content with the world... she is still content with watching the world around her. I love that she thinks before she talks, and she processes everything with deep thought.  At every parent/teacher conference, she makes us proud.  Penelope is the apple from my tree.

Project #5

My fifth and final project for awhile is a laptop case.  Janome and I created this a few weeks ago.  This is my last project to share and it is the end of Janurary.  For the month of Feburary, Valentine's Day month, I will share things I love. 

For the record, something killed a chicken today... I don't love things that kill chickens! 

Project #4

Our latest project was a replica of the Mutchler Center.  Halfpint had to turn a Capri Sun box into the Mutchler Center for a school project.  With a little tan paint, some green fleece, aluminium foil, cardboard, and yellow puff paint, we created the Mutchler Center.  She also had to interview a staff member and type a paragraph report.  She informed me that she would be graded on a 1,2,3 scale.  As our finishing touch, we added a Hot Wheel car to the parking lot and she thinks that might move her from a 2 to a 3. 

Repurpose #3

For Christmas, my brother gave us an old, rustic, saved from an old farmstead, single trees.  Well, it just happened that my repurpose book had a picture of a single tree attached to the ceiling above a bed.  So guess what, we did it!  BL is still a little skeptical about the heavy, solid, object falling on him while catching his beauty sleep.  But I reassure him that more people die in car wrecks everyday, then falling single trees.

I think we need a brown cowhide pillow... sounds like a project for the wonder machine, JANOME!

Project #2

Janome (my new amazing sewing machine) and I are becoming ONE!  I recycled some old jeans into these cute little bags that hold my knitting and crocheting supplies.  I love the big ric-rac, it covers uneven seams... not that Janome would ever let that happen.  She is awesome!

Repurpose Project #1

I received a book for Christmas that has repurpose project and ideas. I love it! It is full of amazing ideas. I also have an addiction with the Pinterest website. The combination of the two inspire me to find and repurpose junk! So, feast your eyes on project #1!

One old window, a little chicken wire, 7 old wooden spools, and TA DA, a new jewelery organizer. Eat your heart our Picka Sistas!