Tolentreasures

Weight Watchers Prevention Magazine Rodale Books Alli Biggest Loser Runner's World Abs Diet Online Wellness Resourses yes, and they even told Dr. Oz. I want to know, did someone send them a secret message? Did they sign me up secretly? Did they have an intervention that I missed? Did they have secret meetings? Who told all those people that I gained weight? Because they all know, they are sending me messages hourly telling me how to fix this. For a minimal $29.95 and up they will solve all of my weight issues. It was a mere 10 months ago (and 15 pounds ago) that I reached Lifetime Status on Weight Watchers.  How did this happen? Oh, I tried to act like it wasn't happening, summer came and I wore stretchy capris, fluffy tops and bigger earrings. You do know that they say big earrings take the emphasis off your hips. I flouffed and fluffed my hair, made sure that my face looked good and dug...

That is what I have been. I started this new afghan for Gracelyn's new room and I am addicted to it. So relaxing, such fun colors. I found the pattern here. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2008/11/hexagon-crochet.html # JWS suggested that I clean out the fridge. This is Mussel Tuna Shrimp Potato Broccoli Carrot Onion Pepper Soup. See why this is not a cooking blog? It smells good though and the fridge is empty(ier) So far is is tasty. I'll let you know my thoughts on that later. And A Roaring Fire. The problem with that is, The afghan is set up in the OTHER Living Room. Hope all of you are enjoying this Christmas Season. I  know that I am getting lots of rest! That is if you don't count shoveling, bringing in firewood and an occasional sled ride with the boys!

While perusing through my pictures  this morning,  I found some things I hadn't shared.  This was a whim project after being at  Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse.   Most of the letters were found there,  some I had, some I made.  I think that I might make more.. it was fun!   Shipped off to Gracelyn and Garren's toy room!   I know that this is hard to see in the picture. This is an old display case that I have had around for years.  I had an old fur collar off an old wool coat that I laid in there first and then arranged all my pins, So many keepsakes in there. Alligator pins that my dad bought for me in Florida when I was little, A pin of my grandmothers, and one belonging to JWS' grandmother. My old Brownie and Girl Scout pins. A great-great aunt's pin, one made by a friend... Memories. I made these pillows for Gracelyn and Kenda...

See these? They have been moved... a lot. They were bought, moved into the house, up to my sewing room. A few of them got wrapped and put under the tree. The rest sat.  We have had a few issues this year. Finally on Friday, my last day of work before this blessed Christmas break, I moved them all to my car and took them to work. And wrapped and wrapped and wrapped..... I guess that is one of the benefits of self employment. Friday night, I moved them all home and artfully arranged them under the Christmas tree. and then I remembered that because of my mil being sick we were having the traditional Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes at my house. Well, six kids, ages seven and under and all those gifts? Anyone could tell you that was not going to work. So I moved them again. This time UPSTAIRS again! To our bedroom. This morning, they came back down.... and are once again artfully arranged u...

There are so many variations of these. This one is pretty simple though, and easy enough to mass produce as you will see later. Start with two rectangles 6 1/2" x 8" I am using fabric drapery and upholstery sample books for these. Place them right sides together. Sew both of the short ends together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Turn right side out and press. Fold both the seams in to meet with the lining side out. Straight stitch and zig zag the edges. If you are lucky enough to have a serger, this would be a lot quicker. Clip the corners on an angle. Turn right side out and press. Then get the next 30 or so done! And you have the perfect little tuck in gifts. These are on their way to local nursing homes to be tucked into Christmas packages.

So much has already been written, so much has already been said. This is the face that I cannot get out of my mind. Kindergarten. He shoots hoops, plays on the computer, is discovering the wonder of reading and calls people on the phone. He golfs He plays ball, He goes to Children's Church and is learning about Jesus. He loves anything Mario. Gracelyn is one of his favorite playmates and they pretend for hours. He takes all his toys in the bathroom and makes a pool for them in the sink. He gives the greatest hugs and tells me he is going to miss me when he leaves me even though we live next door. He is kind and gentle and caring and funny. I call him Logan Spadogan and he giggles. He loves to take gum to pass out to his friends on the bus ride home from school. He loves his brother and his mom and his dad. He is in Kindergarten. My heart breaks for those families that have...

Remember this big mess from Friday? Well, on Saturday, the bleach was flowing stains were being scrubbed and the washer and dryer were in overdrive. So many more good finds in that box than I even realized. I love to find this work, so delicate, I can't imagine the time and patience that it took to do that! There were tons of lace items, some handmade, some not some damaged and stained, but then there were good spots to be used in other items. Oh the possibilities, the ideas... winter projects! For some winter anyway if not this one! The pillowcases have been hanging around here for awhile. Finally they were washed and pressed. And on that note of embroidery and mostly because Blogger is giving me fits about moving these pictures... have you ever seen or used one of these pens? Invaluable! If you do any quilting or embroidery you need one of these! The lines simply disappear when ...