ark anyone?

We've been joking lately that someone missed a phone call from God about building an ark. Last Wednesday we had 3 inches of rain, and then today - one week later more than 2. Our yard has a river running through it. literally.

Two sump pumps going, gutters running, rain barrels overflowing. We just have too much water. And area farmers are getting very frustrated - not able to get fields planted. And gardeners not having anything in, or having what is in - flooded out. And shortened/postponed/cancelled sport seasons. The wet has not been easy on anyone.

But today I started thinking about some of the hardships that people had to endure in Biblical times. And as difficult as they could be, God was still there with them, to protect them.

I know it's hard to accept right now, but we are in God's hands. All of this rain is for a reason. We need to be thankful for what we do have. We will make it through. He will help us. The plagues, tests, times in exile....they endured so much more. We need to know that life isn't easy, it isn't fair, but God will provide.

red lipstick crafting~

This post came across my facebook wall today, thanks to a dear crafting friend.

It's ok if you need to read it again.

no, seriously.

Take it all in. Slowly. Savor each thought. It's beautiful, in its 1949 domestic way.

And honestly, with what happened when I tried to raise my sewing machine from the dead last month, I am thinking this would not have been a bad way to go - you know - good Karma, and all of that.

I'm all for this. And I mean that. Dressing up for your sewing machine. Doing up your hair. Donning the red lipstick.

But then I've ALWAYS been a fan of red lipstick. Even when others think it's not necessary. But let me explain. Because as you all know, everything in my life comes with a story.

About 3 or 4 years ago, I was scrapbooking at a retreat house with several dear friends. As is typical when paper crafting, the air had gotten dry, and thus - my lips. They were parched. So I headed to my bedroom to get some chapstick, only to find that all I had was lipstick. Dark red lipstick. Knowing my "good" lipstick was high quality, and would have moisturizer, I put the lipstick on and headed back to the crafting room.

I resumed my spot, never thinking another thought about the lipstick until my friends started to notice. I hadn't thought about the fact that I was in pajamas for the 2nd day in a row, hadn't worn any makeup that day, and hadn't fixed my hair.

BUT I WAS WEARING MY LIPSTICK!

Needless to say, we had one heckuva laugh about that lipstick, and true to the friends that they are, they all donned some too. It's kind of become our signature now - and this beautiful, sincere post just solidifies its importance.

Because I'm just a red lipstick kind of lady.

Our Memorial Weekend "Staycamping" Adventures

Going into the weekend, we had grandiose plans of camping at a park near our house, close enough for our son to attend all of the graduation activities, but far enough away to relax. Then, the Wednesday before the weekend, we got 3 inches of rain. We knew that camping with that amount of rain in the ground would mean getting stuck with the camper, lots of mosquitos, and mud everywhere. So we opted to stay home and enjoy the family time at home!

We started the weekend with a campfire at a friend's house on Saturday night - each of us bringing some of the food and drink - relaxing with all the parents and kids around the fire. What a WONDERFULLY relaxing way to spend a summer night.

 

 

 

Sunday found us relaxing at home after church....

Lunch was Dutch Oven Pizza....YUMMO

 

Then I tried my hand at Dutch Oven Bread for the first time. Not a perfect outcome, but not bad for the first time!

And for dinner, we slow smoked ribs over the open fire...first in foil, then browned and sauced over the open flame. With the bread, it was a simple, but amazing dinner. All cooked al fresco!

 

 

It was a perfectly relaxing Blessing of a day.... the kids played bean bag toss, I got a few flower beds weeded, and we got to just hang out and have fun. While it wasn't camping, it was just as fun. Nice to take the time to enjoy our home and yard!

MIA

I have been MIA from here, unable to find time to write. And it is something I miss dearly. But I am fulfilling a long-term subbing job through the end of the year, and with that, baseball many nights a week, National Scrapbooking Day, my son's 16th birthday, and all of the regular things life throws at me, I just have not had time.

Tonight I baked 17 dozen cookies! Four varieties. For a couple of events this week. Man, how I love to bake. Wish I had more time for it. But right now I am teaching, and I'm ok with that. Baking will come. But I had to sneak it in this week - for our baccalaureate service, and our music honors society induction banquet. Nearing the end of the year, so there are SO many committments. Cannot wait for SUMMER~

Looking forward to relaxing a bit this weekend - a three day weekend - camping with dear friends. Should be amazing. Just what the doctor ordered!

Well, last of the cookies are out - time for bed. Tomorrow is only Tuesday!

The ten minute table runner...

Last Tuesday was craft day. THE craft day. The day I'd put in front of myself to sew something at. While I had no idea what to make, I had bought a couple of fabrics I liked. My community of crafters was prepared to take care of me though... they were ready. To help me make.......

The TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER

7:30 am. Machine is in the building. And the coffee is brewing. (Priorities)

 This is literally everything I own relating to sewing. EVERYTHING. The sewing box was a gift from my oldest sister - 28 years ago - and I'm still using it today.

8:50 am. Pattern is photocopied (so I have my own copy).
   *note - we have a system at craft day - it starts with coffee, sweets and catching up - no hurry
8:55 am. Fabric is chosen.
    *An amazing friend brought a selection of fabrics, saving me. The pattern called for two, I had only one for the dining room, but she had one that coordinated!
9:00 am. FIRST CUT!

I can do this, right????

9:05 am. Coffee break. Who knew sewing could be so stressful?
9:12 am. Bobbin loaded!

 Full speed ahead on the bobbin filling..full speed ahead!

 

re-threading!

9:25 am. Pressing of the fabrics
9:35 am. Coffee break. Seriously though - I've already done a lot at this point. I deserve some coffee.
9:50 am. Pinning!!!!!
10:05 am. I sewed my first seam!
* we should note. At this point, I have been in the building with my machine for approximately 2 1/2 hours, working on the project for over an hour. I am now sewing. On this TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER.
 

I am going to do this~

10:12 am FIRST FULL SEAM FINISHED!

 I did it!

 10:12:05 am. We realize that the machine is not working properly.

10:30 am. Seam ripping commences

  

 I'll be completely honest. At this point, I was pretty defeated. The seam looked SO nice on the top. I thought I'd DONE it. And then... But kudos to my support team, they kept pushing forward. Kept working with me on the machine, checking tension.. We thought all was lost until Laura sat at the machine, and recognized a miss-step in the threading!

10:45 am. Laura saves the day!!!!!
11:05 am. Pinning take two
11:21 am. First TRULY successful seam complete! I really DID sew this time!

Let's take a second to ponder our progress thus far, on this TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER. I have been working on it now, for approximately 2 1/2 hours, and I have sewn one seam. Ok. Back to the story.

11:28 am. I flip Laura off for the second time. Two things need to be considered here. Flipping someone off is a sign of affection. And Laura is REALLY sarcastic. (Just sayin')
11:35 am. Second seam is sewn (I am FLYING now) - creating a tube of fabric!

Tube O' Fabric

 Turning and pressing the corners after the final two seams

12:05 am. THE TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER IS COMPLETE, after a whopping 3 hrs. and 10 minutes.

(hands up! step away from the ironing board!)

A very proud lady.....

 

 

I wanted to add buttons from my vintage button collection once I got home... Here is the finished product, on my dining room table at home.

 

I just love this. All kidding aside - I love it, I loved the process, and I REALLY love the amazing group of ladies that helped me through this process. This blog, and this TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER are dedicated to them. The unselfish group of amazingly talented women that shared that day with me. Without them, I would still be the old me. The non-sewing me.