He Has Risen Indeed!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Recycled Garden Bench
You know the saying....."one man's trash is another man's treasure".
I am in love with my little garden bench! A little shabby-cottage look that I adore.
The bench (and lots on it) was headed to the trash, but I caught it just in time. It is a bench that has been on my parent's porch for! ever! And actually my Mother saved it for me. My Dad was going to break it down and trash it, but Mother knew I would come up with something and mentioned a garden bench. She knows me well and had a great idea!
The seat had split all the way across. Brant simply attached a board underneath to hold it together. Now it can continue to serve a purpose. Not a bench to sit on, but a perfect little garden bench loaded with flowers and garden whatnots.
The bench, containers and little knick-knacks are 100% recycled. Either headed to trash or just longing to be repurposed. I purchased a few plants and flowers, but already had the herbs.
Most of the containers and knick-knacks I had on hand. And some containers were given to me. And the old tree stump....gift from God. It is a perfect addition to all my recycled treasures. We even used the stump as a container for a pepper plant...you'll see in the last picture.
The old bench created a vision. I wanted to use different containers rather than traditional pots. I started looking around our home, our shed, our garage (and my parents' shed) and Wala!
-Containers: metal buckets, popcorn tin, cooking pot, terracotta pot, teapot and hypertufa pot
-Small decorative rocks from dollar stores bought years ago. Bigger rocks from parks and lakes.
-Birdhouse-Southern Living at Home collection sitting on a shelf collecting dust.
-White popcorn tin sanded and "Keep Calm and Garden On" tag added.
Total cost less than $8(for 2 plants and 2 flowers)! We had dirt in other containers not being used.
I am in love with my little garden bench! A little shabby-cottage look that I adore.
The bench (and lots on it) was headed to the trash, but I caught it just in time. It is a bench that has been on my parent's porch for! ever! And actually my Mother saved it for me. My Dad was going to break it down and trash it, but Mother knew I would come up with something and mentioned a garden bench. She knows me well and had a great idea!
The seat had split all the way across. Brant simply attached a board underneath to hold it together. Now it can continue to serve a purpose. Not a bench to sit on, but a perfect little garden bench loaded with flowers and garden whatnots.
The bench, containers and little knick-knacks are 100% recycled. Either headed to trash or just longing to be repurposed. I purchased a few plants and flowers, but already had the herbs.
Most of the containers and knick-knacks I had on hand. And some containers were given to me. And the old tree stump....gift from God. It is a perfect addition to all my recycled treasures. We even used the stump as a container for a pepper plant...you'll see in the last picture.
The old bench created a vision. I wanted to use different containers rather than traditional pots. I started looking around our home, our shed, our garage (and my parents' shed) and Wala!
-Containers: metal buckets, popcorn tin, cooking pot, terracotta pot, teapot and hypertufa pot
-Small decorative rocks from dollar stores bought years ago. Bigger rocks from parks and lakes.
-Birdhouse-Southern Living at Home collection sitting on a shelf collecting dust.
-White popcorn tin sanded and "Keep Calm and Garden On" tag added.
Total cost less than $8(for 2 plants and 2 flowers)! We had dirt in other containers not being used.
 |
The sun on the shed is happy with my creation. Me too! Keep Calm and Garden On! Recycle, reuse, repurpose something today. Think outside your normal box. |
Throwback Thursday-2 and 3 Years Old
July 2007-their 1st tricycle!!! I LOVE these pictures. Such sweet memories of little boys growing up together, learning to ride tricycles and riding and riding around AND around the culdesac.
By the way...they DESTROYED those little tricycles!!!!!
April 2008-this one makes me laugh out loud every single time I see it. Two very curious little boys trying to see what the neighbors are up to.
June 2008-I saved the best for last. CHEESE! Look at those sweet little faces!
And little hands around each other. TWIN BROTHERS! Can you imagine? Well, their Daddy and Uncle Brent sure can.
***Check back later today for my totally recycled, upcycled, repurposed, used, etc. whatever name you want to call it, flower/garden bench.***
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
He Has Risen! Rolls-Easter 2013
I posted this several years ago and that past post is very popular right now on Pinterest. And for a good reason! These rolls tell a great Easter story about Jesus, children will love to help make them and of course they taste good.
The rolls are easy, messy and oh so yummy! And would be perfect to make on Easter morning, but I am not even going to try it. Getting ready for church on any Sunday is hard enough for our family.
Throw in an Easter basket full of (DYE FREE) candy and treats that are FULL of SUGAR, NO THANK YOU! Two almost eight year old boys bouncing around the kitchen trying to help me make these does not sound like fun!
We made these last night after supper and had our Bible study time centered around the making of the rolls. The boys loved getting in on the action as well as my husband who was craving crawfish at the time......you'll understand shortly.
You will need the following:
•1/2 stick of butter (melted)
•1 can of large refrigerated rolls
•Large marshmallows (8 of them)
•A bowl of cinnamon and sugar mix
Preheat oven to 350.
The white marshmallow represents Jesus who was pure and sinless.
Roll the marshmallows in butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter represents the anointing oil and the cinnamon-sugar mixture represents the spices--spices were put on Jesus' body before they laid him in the tomb.
Wrap the biscuit around the marshmallow and seal the dough around it. This part is very important--make sure the dough is completely sealed around the marshmallow. After they put Jesus in the tomb, they rolled a large stone in front of it to seal it.
Next roll the ball of dough in butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on the cookie sheet.
While me and the boys made our "rolls" my dear sweet crawfish craving husband made a marshmallow pistolette (crawfish pistolettes ). His actually turned out better than any of the others.
Anyway an important tip for you below.
Tip: As you wrap the dough around the marshmallow make a special effort to pinch the dough together. Make sure that the side where you did the "pinching" and "sealing" becomes the "bottom" of the tomb/roll. This will help keep the roll sealed.
Otherwise, this will happen (see below). The roll will come apart while baking, exposing the marshmallow and it will ooze out.
Bake the rolls for about 10-12 minutes or until done. Let the rolls cool a bit and serve.
Encourage your child to break open the tomb to look for Jesus. Where is he? He has risen!
How do the He Has Risen! rolls taste? "Taste and see that the Lord is good..." Psalm 34:8
Source: Mustard Seeds
The rolls are easy, messy and oh so yummy! And would be perfect to make on Easter morning, but I am not even going to try it. Getting ready for church on any Sunday is hard enough for our family.
Throw in an Easter basket full of (DYE FREE) candy and treats that are FULL of SUGAR, NO THANK YOU! Two almost eight year old boys bouncing around the kitchen trying to help me make these does not sound like fun!
We made these last night after supper and had our Bible study time centered around the making of the rolls. The boys loved getting in on the action as well as my husband who was craving crawfish at the time......you'll understand shortly.
You will need the following:
•1/2 stick of butter (melted)
•1 can of large refrigerated rolls
•Large marshmallows (8 of them)
•A bowl of cinnamon and sugar mix
Preheat oven to 350.
The white marshmallow represents Jesus who was pure and sinless.
Roll the marshmallows in butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter represents the anointing oil and the cinnamon-sugar mixture represents the spices--spices were put on Jesus' body before they laid him in the tomb.
Wrap the biscuit around the marshmallow and seal the dough around it. This part is very important--make sure the dough is completely sealed around the marshmallow. After they put Jesus in the tomb, they rolled a large stone in front of it to seal it.
Next roll the ball of dough in butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on the cookie sheet.
While me and the boys made our "rolls" my dear sweet crawfish craving husband made a marshmallow pistolette (crawfish pistolettes ). His actually turned out better than any of the others.
Anyway an important tip for you below.
Tip: As you wrap the dough around the marshmallow make a special effort to pinch the dough together. Make sure that the side where you did the "pinching" and "sealing" becomes the "bottom" of the tomb/roll. This will help keep the roll sealed.
Otherwise, this will happen (see below). The roll will come apart while baking, exposing the marshmallow and it will ooze out.
Bake the rolls for about 10-12 minutes or until done. Let the rolls cool a bit and serve.
Encourage your child to break open the tomb to look for Jesus. Where is he? He has risen!
How do the He Has Risen! rolls taste? "Taste and see that the Lord is good..." Psalm 34:8
The rolls taste so sweet! Easter is a time to celebrate the sweetest gift of all--our salvation through Jesus Christ. Although he was blameless, he died on the cross for our sins; was buried in a tomb and then rose from the dead.
Source: Mustard Seeds
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Nest Material for Birds
We made a little something for the birds over the weekend. Birds are a big part of our everyday learning in school this year. We watch them often and wanted to do something for them during this spring season.
So we made filled a feeder full of nest material .
I have been seeing this all over the net so I thought we would give it a try. Mixed reviews of the feeders being half empty within days to not one bird touching it has me wondering if this was a mistake. But, we'll see how it works out here for us. I love the idea though of birds coming to take string or material to make their nests.
Here is what I used......suet feeder, yarn and not in the picture but added later, scrap material.
Cut yarn and or material 4 to 8 inches long. Material should not be wider than one inch and no longer than six inches.
Fill suet feeder with nesting material and secure shut. Hang in an area were you can see it from a window if possible.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology gives yarn scraps a thumbs up.
(Scroll down to “Nest Material”).
The day we put it out a couple of Robins were intently watching us. We sure hope they decided to check out the suet feeder full of yarn and scraps. More than likely they already have their nest built, but maybe they will put the word out to others. Or come shopping for their next nest.
**While typing up this post we saw the Robins (male and female) with three "baby" Robins. Because I am constantly on the lookout for birds I just so happened to see them all. So glad I did!**
Monday, March 25, 2013
Easter Banner
Are you ready? It is less than a week away. Need a quick, super easy, very inexpensive Easter banner?
Chances are you just may have all the supplies in your stash.
Supplies:
-a book (Once upon a time I was a member of a book club and bought tons of books for pennies! So I have plenty to spare and trash.)
-scrapbook paper
-letter stickers
-string, ribbon, jute or whatever you fancy for hanging the banner
-scrap fabric optional
-stapler
I used pinking shears to cut my paper. Next attach letter stickers to scrapbook paper. I could not decide if I wanted to spell out E-A-S-T-E-R or S-P-R-I-N-G. Either would have been cute.
Then measure how long you want the banner to be. This ended up WAY bigger than I thought so I had to put it on my china cabinet. These book pages are 6x8 inches. I didn't measure the banner before I hung it, but my china cabinet is 5ft. 2 inches long. So the banner is a little longer than that since it is hanging down some.
It looked fine, but I thought it was missing a little something. And I did not want a bow. So I added scrap fabric at the ends hanging with excess string.
Perfect! Done. Just what I wanted a simple Easter banner. So if you are looking for a little something to add to your dining area for Sunday you could easily throw this together on Saturday night.
Now to make a shopping list for those Easter baskets.
What are you working on this week to prepare for Easter Sunday?
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entrance of Christ into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9), when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday) and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. It thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week in which Christians celebrate their salvation through Christ's Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The holiest week of Christianity in the entire year.
This can be a FUN time for all with Easter bunnies, candy, Easter egg hunts, cookouts, family gatherings, BUT it means SO MUCH MORE!
We hope you will also reflect on the Greatest Sacrifice – Christ sacrificing His very life for you and for me, so that we may live with God for eternity in heaven.
Happy Palm Sunday.
Friday, March 22, 2013
FUN Friday-Spring Favorites 2013
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
We have been enjoying the past three days off from school. Our little spring break if you will. Slow mornings are great for all of us.
After making plans and nothing going as planned I am not even going to talk about our FUN Friday. The FUN today is sharing my SPRING favorites.
And it just might lead to some FUN for you. All these goodies will give you a reason to go shopping. So let's get started.
It is no secret turquoise is my favorite color.....at least it has been for a while now. And many shades of blue for that matter. But recently coral and or orange have caught my eye. And the two together, blues and oranges, look so fresh for spring. BOLD colors are the thing this season.
As well as color blocking. OH I LOVE color blocking!!!
I like to dress in solid colors so mixing bold bright colors would be super easy. And wouldn't a color block purse or clutch be FUN!!!!
OPI-Cajun Shrimp
This has been a long time spring favorite for me. And I usually keep it in reserve specifically for this time of year. It is an orange-coral color. It makes gives a nice POP of color on winter-white toes. And FYI looks great in the summer months on warm-tan toes. I can't wait to see my Cajun Shrimp toes in sand!!!!
L'Oreal Lip Balm-Caramel Comfort
I just recently found this and I love this stuff! It is perfect for spring. With no liner of course. Feels great and does not have "that taste". The taste that so many balms and lipstick have that cause my throat to feel itchy.....allergies. It has a little shine for the time you dress up. And when I just want to lightly color my lips I simply kiss a tissue to get some shine off.
Statement sunglasses are suppose to very trendy this spring. I typically have stopped buying trendy clothes, but accessories are where I like to have FUN!!! I noticed all the trendy styles last weekend at Target. It was a flash back to the 80s with all the bold colors. I couldn't resist trying many on. And really would have bought them, butmy personal stylist Brant would not let me. These below are much better than the bold ones at Target and I ab-so-lutely LOVE them!
A spring favorite indeed...BOLD, colorful necklaces. Now first of all I am a blue jeans and tshirt girl for just about every day of the week. I am a stay at home-homeschooling Momma that has no need to get all dressed up daily. BUT when I do "get dressed" I like to dress up my plain wardrobe with something bold like these FUN necklaces. With a bold necklace I add simple earrings like gold or silver hoops.
***These two beauty products are always on my spring favorite list. MUST HAVES for me.
Straight Sexy Hair-Smooth and Protect. A little goes a long way. Perfect on sun-kissed hair.
We have been enjoying the past three days off from school. Our little spring break if you will. Slow mornings are great for all of us.
After making plans and nothing going as planned I am not even going to talk about our FUN Friday. The FUN today is sharing my SPRING favorites.
And it just might lead to some FUN for you. All these goodies will give you a reason to go shopping. So let's get started.
It is no secret turquoise is my favorite color.....at least it has been for a while now. And many shades of blue for that matter. But recently coral and or orange have caught my eye. And the two together, blues and oranges, look so fresh for spring. BOLD colors are the thing this season.
As well as color blocking. OH I LOVE color blocking!!!
I like to dress in solid colors so mixing bold bright colors would be super easy. And wouldn't a color block purse or clutch be FUN!!!!
OPI-Cajun Shrimp
This has been a long time spring favorite for me. And I usually keep it in reserve specifically for this time of year. It is an orange-coral color. It makes gives a nice POP of color on winter-white toes. And FYI looks great in the summer months on warm-tan toes. I can't wait to see my Cajun Shrimp toes in sand!!!!
L'Oreal Lip Balm-Caramel Comfort
I just recently found this and I love this stuff! It is perfect for spring. With no liner of course. Feels great and does not have "that taste". The taste that so many balms and lipstick have that cause my throat to feel itchy.....allergies. It has a little shine for the time you dress up. And when I just want to lightly color my lips I simply kiss a tissue to get some shine off.
Statement sunglasses are suppose to very trendy this spring. I typically have stopped buying trendy clothes, but accessories are where I like to have FUN!!! I noticed all the trendy styles last weekend at Target. It was a flash back to the 80s with all the bold colors. I couldn't resist trying many on. And really would have bought them, but
A spring favorite indeed...BOLD, colorful necklaces. Now first of all I am a blue jeans and tshirt girl for just about every day of the week. I am a stay at home-homeschooling Momma that has no need to get all dressed up daily. BUT when I do "get dressed" I like to dress up my plain wardrobe with something bold like these FUN necklaces. With a bold necklace I add simple earrings like gold or silver hoops.
***These two beauty products are always on my spring favorite list. MUST HAVES for me.
Straight Sexy Hair-Smooth and Protect. A little goes a long way. Perfect on sun-kissed hair.
And last, but certainly not least...........Xen-Tan. I get out in the sun more than I should during these warmer months. But my legs don't always have a chance to get a nice tan. Xen-Tan is my go to tanner. It is perfect at giving a nature olive tone to your skin instead of the nasty fake orange most tanners give.
So that is it. My SPRING Favorites for 2013. Hope you have a great weekend whatever you do......shopping, hanging out at the park, going on a hike, bike riding, planting flowers, having a backyard BBQ, etc. Whatever you do make sure you spend some time OUTSIDE!!! It's SPRING!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Throwback Thursday-Nascar Driver
Me asking Ryan, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Think Cars the movie and Chick Hick from that movie. It will give a little more understanding of what exactly he is saying. I am still not 100% sure, but it is just too darn cute!!!!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Happy Spring 2013
It's here!!! Although we have been seeing signs of spring for awhile here in SE Texas it is officially here!! And added bonus for us....we are on SPRING break!!!!
HAPPY SPRING!!!!!
So what are your plans for this first day of SPRING?
Here are a few ideas:
-Plant something. Flowers, plants or a small garden. Container gardening is a great place to start. And new to us from years of multiple raised beds. We planted our small garden a few weeks ago, but today we will plant flowers. We will be planting Zinnias today. FYI-these flowers are so easy to grow from seed and perfect for children. Make sure to get your children involved in gardening early on to instill a love for it. The boys have always loved planting, watching and waiting for that first bloom to emerge. In past years the boys have had their own pot with flowers to take care of. They loved having the daily task of checking on their plants/flowers.
-Have a picnic in your own backyard. Or at a local park.
-Hunt for bugs.
-Bird watching. This might be better suited for older children since they will need to be still and quiet, but I say at least give it a try. Early morning is the perfect time to see the birds as they are most active between 6-10am. Don't forget to bring a book to identify them.
-Let your children play in DIRT! It really is good for them!
-Go on a hike as a family...if Dad is working make sure you go Saturday!
-Visit a nature center or botanical garden. We plan to as soon as this wind and short lived rain stops. It is suppose to be sunny later this afternoon and I can't wait to sit and soak up some vitamin D.
-Read books on the about bugs, birds or planting. Find books on the changes in the seasons.
-Go fishing!
***Or if you have really bad allergies and need to stay indoors make something lemony! It always makes me feel springy.***
Lemon Sugar or Pink Lemonade Pie or Lemon Bars
Nature is so important to our family. And I hope this inspires you to get outdoors and make it a priority for your family as well. It is important to start your children at an early age to see, smell, hear and touch nature. One of my favorite quotes from Charlotte Mason tells it best.
Nature Knowledge the most important for Young Children.--It would be well if we all persons in authority, parents and all who act for parents, could make up our minds that there is no sort of knowledge to be got in these early years so valuable to children as that which they get for themselves of the world they live in. Let them once get touch with Nature, and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight through life. We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.
~Charlotte Mason
Whatever you do get outside and enjoy this wonderful day (if you can)! Get your hands dirty in the earth. Smell it, take it in and Praise God for His Amazing Creation!!!
I have heard it said the day God created SPRING was the day He created hope. I have that hope on this fine first day of SPRING!
What do you have planned for this week celebrating SPRING'S arrival?
HAPPY SPRING!!!!!
So what are your plans for this first day of SPRING?
Here are a few ideas:
-Plant something. Flowers, plants or a small garden. Container gardening is a great place to start. And new to us from years of multiple raised beds. We planted our small garden a few weeks ago, but today we will plant flowers. We will be planting Zinnias today. FYI-these flowers are so easy to grow from seed and perfect for children. Make sure to get your children involved in gardening early on to instill a love for it. The boys have always loved planting, watching and waiting for that first bloom to emerge. In past years the boys have had their own pot with flowers to take care of. They loved having the daily task of checking on their plants/flowers.
-Hunt for bugs.
-Bird watching. This might be better suited for older children since they will need to be still and quiet, but I say at least give it a try. Early morning is the perfect time to see the birds as they are most active between 6-10am. Don't forget to bring a book to identify them.
-Let your children play in DIRT! It really is good for them!
-Go on a hike as a family...if Dad is working make sure you go Saturday!
-Visit a nature center or botanical garden. We plan to as soon as this wind and short lived rain stops. It is suppose to be sunny later this afternoon and I can't wait to sit and soak up some vitamin D.
-Read books on the about bugs, birds or planting. Find books on the changes in the seasons.
-Go fishing!
***Or if you have really bad allergies and need to stay indoors make something lemony! It always makes me feel springy.***
Lemon Sugar or Pink Lemonade Pie or Lemon Bars
Nature is so important to our family. And I hope this inspires you to get outdoors and make it a priority for your family as well. It is important to start your children at an early age to see, smell, hear and touch nature. One of my favorite quotes from Charlotte Mason tells it best.
Nature Knowledge the most important for Young Children.--It would be well if we all persons in authority, parents and all who act for parents, could make up our minds that there is no sort of knowledge to be got in these early years so valuable to children as that which they get for themselves of the world they live in. Let them once get touch with Nature, and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight through life. We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.
~Charlotte Mason
Whatever you do get outside and enjoy this wonderful day (if you can)! Get your hands dirty in the earth. Smell it, take it in and Praise God for His Amazing Creation!!!
I have heard it said the day God created SPRING was the day He created hope. I have that hope on this fine first day of SPRING!
What do you have planned for this week celebrating SPRING'S arrival?
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