An Unexpected Surprise

I was wearing my ring "picnic freshness" at Kaiser yesterday (I had an appointment), and some lady stopped me, and wanted to know where I got my ring, I told her I made it, and she wanted to order one, and wanted it then and there, but I told her I have to make it first. She placed an order, was happy, and so was I! Praise God! It's nice to see others like your work :)

I've been procrastinating, but I should try putting it on my shop. I need to start cracking!

Pregnant

Ever since last Friday, I've been feeling nauseous. Everything makes me nauseous--food, reading, TV, computer, internet, water...the list goes on, and on.

I just want to go crazy, and shave my head, get a mohawk and go crazy! Lord help me :)

Pea-pod Family

On Saturday we wanted to enjoy the kids while they enjoyed a nice carousel ride. After a bit of planning, we had an announcement tell the kids.

It all started one day, when...

daddy met mommy. They loved each other so.

Then daddy married mommy, and took her into his pea-pod.

Soon after, a cute little pea named Rock, joined in on the fun, and oh, how much we loved him!

Two years later, a wonderful, dainty little girl pea, named Key, came into our lives, and stole our hearts.

And now, we have a NEW baby pea who has entered the pea-pod! Say hello, to the new sweet pea baby.

It was a great day in the pea-pod family :) I wonder if we'll have a boy or a girl??!!!

On a side note: Second time I missed Unique LA, at least, this time I went, but I was too late :( Maybe next time, hopefully it can be a two day thingy like the other, so I don't have to go on a Sunday. But I shall rejoice :)

Freshness Around the Neck

I was finally able to take some pictures of my necklace freshness! My niece was kind enough to model for me several things (including the tutu).

I'd like to make another one with a much longer suede chain, and mix things up a bit. I guess you can call this, my "prototype."

I'd like to sell them on my etsy, hopefully, but we'll see...

Thrifty Finds

Mother Goose...

Once I saw this adorable Mother Goose tray at a Chino thrift store, I had to get it for my daughter's room. Nothing is on her walls, or any decorations, frankly because, I'm trying to collect little treasures for her room. This one would look great on her side of the wall (she shares four walls with her big brother). I believe this tray was purchased for only 99 cents...whatta deal!

What little treasures do you have?

Chicken Scratches

Key's new summer dress turned out differently of what I originally intended. Trying to emulate my drawings, that look like chicken scratches, perhaps is not the best way...but either way, it turned out better than I thought! It still has its handful of mistakes, but considering, I was grateful it wasn't a total flop. I love her in the new dress...well, I love her in anything! She was especially sweet while I used her as a model.

Thrifty Finds- 2nd Treasure (in no particular order)

"Rosie" is her name...

Another of my thrifty finds I got months ago! I got this classic tray for $2.00. I was gonna sell it on my etsy store, but I grew attached to it...I think it's pretty. We'll see if I can depart from it.

Noodles

I made chow mien noodles, and I enjoyed throwing vegetables in the pan. The kids enjoyed their plain noodles, and I was able to make a healthier version. Not too shabby :)Ingredients:
chow mien noodles
onions
garlic
broccoli
carrots
tofu
snap peas
eggs
pepper
salt- (a pinch)
soy sauce (low sodium)-1Tbsp
olive oil

Simply boil noodles, drain, BUT keep a cup of the water. Cover pan with oil, saute onions, garlic, then add tofu. Through in all veg's, allow them to tenderize, include noodles, and spices. Include egg, and let it fry. Lastly, include water. Finally, enjoy!

I like...

these beautiful roller skates!  I really hope I can have a pair, and maybe Key, when she gets old enough, so we can roam around the city together.  I like matching with my daughter...awh man, I'm those weird moms!!! :(

Thrifty Finds

Thrift stores are grand! I love them because you never know what you'll find. In high school, and college, I loved this particular one. It literally was down the street from my work & school (at the time), and they had nifty finds every time I went. Til this day, they still don't disappoint. As the saying goes-- one person's junk is another persons treasure. I found this cute little piece, at one of my endeavors a few months ago. This find was from a Chino, CA Goodwill store.
I hope to share, all my little treasures.

Old Bird

Upon bird watching, I encountered one of favorite birds! His name is "Old Bird"...
I tip toed to his bird hole...and what did I see? Old Bird relaxing, and waiting for me.As I came near, I was excited to see my friend, but should I disturb since he looks so content...
Anywhoo, I did, and oh what a treat! He invited me in...
But we realized there wasn't room for the kin.

It was fun making this little bird hole/nest for a special little girl, hope you enjoy it True!

Self Portrait of a Watermelon

Ever wonder how to pick out a watermelon? I did, until I called my dad. He always picks out the yummiest melons. So, as I was at the store, contemplating my next amateur move, I called my dad and he gave me the keenest process...1. Knock on the watermelon, choose one that doesn't sound as hallow as others
2. Then feel the whole watermelon, finding any flat spots, if so, discard. Look for one with complete roundness.

I never knew, and if you didn't either, hope this helps a little, maybe there's a better way to figure it out, but this helped me :)

Enjoy your watermelon freshness!

No Place Here For Her Kind

The anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman

from Mark 14, Luke 7, and John 12

I've done a lot of bad things.

Last night I had a hard time being there...in that dark, humid room. Their breaths on me, made me nauseous. Their sweaty palms left me feeling dirty. Their heavy bodies made me feel burdened, even after they were gone. When I lay there, I try to think of other things-- things that will help relieve the pain, and the loneliness.

I've done a lot of bad things.

There have been whispers of a man. Not sure his name. They say he does something spectacular. But can it really be?! Well, I can't afford not to believe.

I've done a lot of bad things.

Tomorrow night I hear he'll be in town. But I won't even be able to get close to him--you know, since he'll be in that house. I see the way they look at me. They know who I am, and I know who they are… but somehow, I need to at least see him. The thought of seeing him makes me feel nervous. If I could speak to him, what would I say?

I've done a lot of bad things.

Would he brush me off? Would he be disgusted at me? Would he signal them to take me away? Or, would he be delighted to see me? I don't think I've ever had anyone look at me and be delighted to see me, when I have nothing, to offer them.

He'll know I've done a lot of bad things.

But if it’s true what people have been saying about him, I need to talk to him and ask...ask, for help. I don't want to be lonely anymore. I don't want to be dirty anymore. I don't want to be sad anymore. I don't want to feel far from I AM anymore.

I AM will take away the bad things.

I've never had the guts to break the alabaster. What can be more special than this? I won't even use that perfume on myself-- I am not worthy. But he is.

- F.T

A Refreshing Taste

Perhaps I'm not the first to invent this deli sandwich, but I love it so much I want to share it and hope you like it too! I first tried this two years ago, and loved the textures, and taste for a nice lunch treat....yummy.

Ingredients: blueberry bagel (opt for whole wheat), ham, pepper jack cheese, lite cream cheese, and spinach (I ran out). Optional: tomato

Toast bagel, and spread cream cheese on both halves (or just one). Put all other ingredients. Eat and enjoy.

In A Rut

Lately I don't wanna do anything that's art & crafty...I was working on a new brooch but ran out of supplies, and just got stuck. Hopefully I can get some juices flowing. I got ideas in my head but just feel blah about doing it. Do you ever feel that way?

Sit Down and Relax

When I ventured into pillows, I got addicted and made three back-to-back. They were so fun to make, and really did a number on our sofa. Super easy to make, and it cost way cheaper then buying from your favorite retailer.
I tried a Martha Stewart technique. It didn't turn out so well, I think because of the thin fabric I used for the white one. Better luck next time.

I got these fabrics from JoAnn's in their custom order section, they were display fabrics, they kind you have to order, but this JoAnn was going out of business so they were selling their fabric squares samples (I think I paid less .99 for each, but these were expensive fabrics). The squares measured approximately 20x20 inches, but worked well for making sofa, or even bedroom pillows. I tried purchasing at another JoAnn's, but she said they don't allow :( Perhaps if there's a going out of business JoAnn's near you, you can purchase their samples and make cute pillows!

We Still Have Tons to Learn

My anniversary was great and refreshing!  I was really edified by Art Azurdia regarding his talk on marriage.  His thoughts were extremely insightful.  Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, this talk can help in just seeing your marriage for what it really is.  

Specifically insightful to me was Art tearing down the idea of the "perfect marriage"

The fact that there's a plethora of Christian conferences, books, talks, etc. is NOT a sign of our triumph in marriage but a sign of our disease.  Our marriages have paralleled the secular world.

Martial pre-counseling is a joke, it's like counseling the mentally insane.  

Please listen and enjoy the possible changes to make your marriage richer!

Ring In the Summer

I was finally able to put my little idea into textile form :)  It's a fun little flower ring, that screams summer time!  

Picnic freshness.

Pouch Lover

I have this fascination with pouches, which got me thinking of an idea of bringing back the fanny pack, but in a cool, retro, 80's way. I saw a couple of fanny packs that were cool, but this belt-pouch definitely steals the pie! This is what I was thinking but not exactly, this belt is better than what I was conjured up in my head. So, to my hubby, I really like this ;)