GaRaGe GrAmmA

Summer Update

2009-07-13T11:04:00.005-05:00

I guess it has been awhile. My computer is not working so great so I don't get on here much. I thought I woud just give a quick summer update.

My newest sewing endeaver. Rag quilting.

Fun at Tina's house in the pool.

T Ball

Cole

Jabin

Evan

Here is Evan as "Captain Underwear". He read my nephew Alex's book.

So that's his new role model.

Evan, Jabin & Amaya giving us some 4th of July entertainment.

This deer was in our back yard one night. What a nice surprise. We live right in town so it is a bit unusual.

Country Slash

Cole and Granpa with a turtle they found at the campground.

Hope everyone is having a great sumer.

Chopperfest is here!!

2009-06-03T09:14:00.005-05:00

I have been "sew" busy the past few weeks!! Thought I would try and catch up. My sewing machine has sure gotten a work out. I have been sewing handbags, neck wraps, can & bottle cozys, head bands, and camera bags. I also have been making some barn wood signs. Good thing I have been bringing up goods as I get them done. I have the car jam packed and I still need room for my friend Jo's stuff, mine and Ted's stuff and a cooler. I totally realized last night that I still needed to bring display stuff up there. Nothing like waiting til the last minute.

I made some can and bottle cozys and showed them to the owner of the campground. Guess what she wants a ton of camo one's with the bar's name on them. She loved the frayed edge look. This is what I came up with.

I printed the tag on fabric that has heat-n-bond on the back. Ironed it on and stiched around it to make it secure. They have fleece on the inside. Just zig zagged around them.

Now I just have to come up with bandana's for her also that have the bar name on them. Think I will be busy for awhile.

My first project is getting some house work caught up on. My poor garage is a total disaster. Not to mention the sewing room.

I'll post pictures next week some time. We will be going up tomorrow some time. Wish me lots of sales.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Congatulation's Nicci

2009-05-17T19:13:00.004-05:00

Introducing the 2009 graduating class of Clayton High School!!! Nicci is the second on the left bottom row.

No dry eyes hear. Justina and Nicci exchanging hugs and flowers.

Here are Justina and the "graduating girls". Nicci from high school and Amaya from kindergarten. Amaya graduates from kindergarten on June 4th.

Justina did a wonderful job on the small family get together after the ceremony. Dave's gracious parents let Justina have the party at their lake home. It turned out great.

After the ceremony we went to the trailer for the night. Amanda came with us. Today we came home early and Ted did some yard work and then we brought Amanda back to Glenwood City. She just moved there to live at her Aunt Ruth's house.

100th post!!

2009-05-13T20:24:00.007-05:00

Can you believe it this is my 100th post.

I made these guys last week. I worked on more red, white, and blue ribbons today. Got them cut out anyway. I also made some "Up Northy" signs with old boat oars. I have to get a picture of them yet.

Campground project!

Sunday we raked everything up in the back. We put the fire pit back there. Also the swing and picnic table. Next we are going to turn the shed and add the extra decking on. Sure opened up the lot.

You can see there were alot of leaves. That pile came from where the dirt spot is. We filled the trailer full!!

Our new campfire area. I love it. It will be nice the kids can have the whole front yard to play now.

Gotta go for now.

"Just Horsin' Around"

2009-05-10T20:14:00.006-05:00

"HORSIN' AROUND AT THE BACKWOODS!"

You would have had to seen it to believe it! On Saturday at our campground was the spring horse ride. The local horse club stays at the campground horses and all. They go on trail rides and have a great time. There are some beautiful horses. In the evening there is music at the bar. We are all having a fun time listening to the music and in rides this guy on his horse. What a site. He came in and turned around a few times then rode off out the door. The band even stopped playing when he came in. What a great time we had.

Last week was kind of busy. We had a good friend of ours from our old campground pass away very unexpectedly last Sunday. We attended his memorial service on Thursday. Later this summer they will have a burial service at the Spooner Veteran's Memorial. I had never been to a Military Honor service befor . That was very moving and emotional for us. It made me very proud to have a friend that served in the Air Force for our country. Rest in peace Duane!

On Saturday we went to visit Ted's mom. They were having a cookout for lunch. I did get a couple of things made last week. I will post them later. Friday I got more barn boards bleached and sun dried.

Hopefully I can get some more stuff made for Chopper Fest. That is sneaking up on me fast. Eveyone is buying my stuff as fast as I get it made. I have to get more hand bags made for that also. The gals up at the campground are requesting that I have lots of them!!!

Have a great week. Next Saturday is Nicci's graduation from high school.

Oh yeah HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you all.

Barn wood signs

2009-05-01T13:57:00.007-05:00

Well I got up early this morning and started scrubbing the barn boards with bleach water. It gets all the "gunk" off. Our neighbors at the campground asked me last winter to make them a sign that says "It's 5 o'clock somewhere!" Well I had to get that started.

I had one that I wanted to make a flag out of so I painted that up also. I added barbed wire for a hanger.

Last weekend one of the campers asked if I could make him a door stop for his trailer. He liked mine with the bears and asked if I could do one with a deer. So I made that this morning also.

Here are some other things I have made!

Welcome sign. I added the stick today.

Yard birds

Howling wolves

Here is a sample of bags that I have made.

Wheelchair totes

More bags

Well that's all for now. Going up to the trailer tomorrow. Oh yeah, Carla the girls said "welcome to the club!" They are excited that you joined. Justina says "lefse" that's what you need to do!!! Have a great weekend.

Free Wood!!!!

2009-04-30T17:00:00.010-05:00

I know it has been awhile. More on those things later. Last night I traveled to some friends house and got a ton of good plywood for some projects I'm working on. This morning I was painting some yard birds I had cut out of wood, and of course Justina called wanting to know what I was doing. She came across some "free" barn boards. Of course I had to drop everything. Well we had to tear them off. That was part of the fun of it. It was raining when I left and quit when I got there. We have driven by this old barn drooling over the pile of boards several times. It is not to far from Justina's house.

Poor lonely thing just waiting for a good home!

Here is Justina working hard to get a board she wanted. All the time wishing she had a cordless skill saw.

Here I am. "Give it a good kick and it will fall off!" I would make my parents proud!!

My load!

Justina's stash!

Now I have to get busy and make stuff out of it. I have been sewing also. Will update later. Gotta go.

Weekend with Family and Freinds

2009-04-15T05:49:00.007-05:00

Friday was our day to meet up with Ann. I rode to Rochester with Andy , Greg and the boys. We met Justina and family at her dad's house. Off to Joann Fabrics to meet Ann. We had planned on shopping but were short on time. We went to Wendy's for treats instead. We had a lot of talking to do since we never had met before.

Here we are at Wendy's. Andy, Justina, me, Mardell (Dave's mom) and Ann. Look at the goodies to exchange!!

After that we went to a play at Justina and Andy's dad's church. It was called "The Passion of Christ". What a wonderful experience that was. Made you feel like you were actually there living in those days.

Saturday my family came to our house for dinner. The kids had so much fun playing with each other. We hid eggs in the back yard for an egg hunt.

Decorating bags for the "hunt"

The hunt is on. Counting to see how many we have.

After the hunt.

Cole, Evan, Alex, Jabin, Elsie, and Alma. Not sure where Amaya was.

Checking out the goods. Amaya has her "Super Girl " suit on from Andy.

After the egg hunt some of the kids watched a movie and some played out side. It was fun to get the kids together again. Also to see my family. Of course we all ate too much! It has been ahwile , the last time was at Tomah swimming.

I have some projects started for this week. Enjoy the warm weather.

Handbags & Honor Ribbons

2009-04-08T07:54:00.005-05:00

Here are the projects I worked on so far this week.

The handbag on the left is the fabric I found on Saturday. The one on the right has crocheted lace from my stash of things from my mother.

These little over the shoulder bags were made from some small scraps I had. The are 10x8 with the strap about 45" and have two pockets inside and one on the outside. Velcro tab to close.

Here is the "primitive" one I whipped up. It measures approx. 15x 13 with a pocket on the inside also.

I am also working on red, white and blue honor ribbons for Chopperfest. I made some yellow ones also. They are made of one inch pine and measure 16" tall.

I will put some on stakes and hangers on some. They can be put in your yard or hung up either inside or out. I am putting them up at our campsite.

It has warmed up a little so I was working in the garage yesterday. I still could see my breath!

Friday I am traveling to Rochester with the girls. We are meeting our friend Ann. We know her from our blogs and now we get to meet her in person! After that we are going to a play that the girl's dad is is at his church. On Saturday my family is coming for Easter dinner. I better get a lot done the next couple of days.

Night out with family and friends plus another "freebie"

2009-04-05T12:03:00.013-05:00

Last night we met Andy, Greg, Evan and Jabin, Justina, Dave and Nicci, Dave's parents, Dave and Justina's friends Doug and Mary, Kent's kids Dawson and Krista. Our friends Wayne and Diane came with us. Eighteen of all together. What a crew for our waitress. Evan and Jabin wanted Andy to wear her wedding dress and Greg to wear his suit because it was their anniversary. What a great time it was.

Group pictures taken by our waitress. We had to take two just to get everyone in.

Andy and Greg with their anniversary treat. Turtle Sundae Cheesecake.

Tina and Dave with their cheesecake.

ANOTHER FREEBIE

My friend Diane got this table and of course it was free! Tina was going to take it but found one at an auction. I needed chairs so why not take the whole set. It is a perfect size plus it came with two leaves. The dresser in the background my mother gave me . I put the table I had in my sewing room. Which will be great. The kids can go in there and do art projects. I can also do my cutting in there now and not have to move everything to the kitchen and then back to sew.

Wonder what kind of " free stuff" will come our way next. Ted just calls it more "junk". But junk is good!!! He approves of the table and bench. He can't believe someone would get rid of stuff like that. I'm glad they did.

FREEBIE BENCH

2009-04-04T14:23:00.004-05:00

Free Bench

I got this bench for FREE!!! Thanks Diane!!! I got it home took the furniture polish to it and made a new cover for the cushion. The bolster pillows were already the black fabric so I just changed out the ties. Thanks Tina for getting it to my house.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

GREG AND ANDY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

ALEX

Greg and Andy have been married seven years. It is my nephew Alex's seventh birthday today also.

Hard to belive it is Easter next week already. My family is coming on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully it will be nice so the kids can go outdoors. Maybe we can do an egg hunt.

Tina liked her bag I made for her. Today I found some cool fabric for a bag. I will post it at a later date. It was flea market barn day. Next month they will be open every weekend. YIKES!!!

Have a great week.

Sewing for the girls

2009-04-02T15:52:00.006-05:00

Justina and Andy had some sewing project for me to do.

Justina found this fabric when we were in Rochester. It is so her!!! Sew today I whipped this up for her in between cleaning etc.

Andy needed a bag for some stamping things she brings to her workshops. I found the black fabric in Rochester. She came to town on Tuesday and we went to our local fabric store to pick out her coordinating color. The front pocket is sewn up the middle to make two pockets. her paper cutter fits in there perfect. There is also a pocket on the inside big enough to hold her circle cutter. The bag is roughly 18" wide x 21" long. Good thing I bought extra black I now have three more to make!!! I did find some material similar to her striped for them. It has the same colors anyway.

I have had a busy week going to Rochester with Justina. Amaya had her tonsils and adenoids out on Monday. I went down with them on Sunday. Stayed overnight in the motel close to Justina's dad's house. Amanda spent the night with me. It was fun to hang out with her. Wednesday I had to go to Eau Claire for some dental work so that took all day. My friend Jo had to go too so we had a fun day of shopping. Checking out the thrift stores, Kohl's, the fabric store and of course the $Store. I did find some great fabric buys at the Mill End Textiles. They have a bin where you fill a garbage bag for $5.oo. Lots of stuff in there!!! They have bolts of fabric in there! I think I had about fourty yards of stuff in my bag. Some of the pieces were at least six or seven yards.

Get better soon Amaya!!! Check out her pictures on Justina's blog. She even has a picture of her tonsils (YUK).

Headband Project

2009-03-24T20:01:00.006-05:00

This lovely model is wearing a headband that I made today. (She sure could use some wrinkle cream LOL). This is one of the projects I am working on for Chopperfest at the campground. Great thing for using scraps of fabric. I plan on making some orange and black flame ones and also some patriotic ones. Can't wait to go see what material I can find. They don't take much time to sew. The cutting mat and rotary cutter are getting a workout.

Happy Birthday Justina On Wednesday!!!

2009-03-24T17:25:00.006-05:00

It is Justina's (?) birthday. I remember the day she was born. Imagine that!!!

She is a wonderful daughter

A best friend

Loving Mother

Best friends to her sisters

Creative

Thoughtful

Loves to go "Junkin"

(she takes after me and my mother)

Even though her life was turned upside down she has grown to be a strong woman

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTINA!!

Have a wonderful day.

I've been busy!!!

2009-03-23T17:40:00.014-05:00

The last few weeks I have been busy sewing , watching grandkids, and taking my friend to get some dental work done.

I have not heard from the lucky winner of the giveaway. So if you are out there somewhere I have it all ready to mail just need an address.

Here are some pictures of what I have been doing. I took these at the craft sale.

Wood cut out Honor Ribbons and candle mats

Hair towels and plastic bag holders

Candle wraps and Tissue wraps

Can Covers, Cup Cozies, and coasters

Hand bags

Checkbook covers, vintage button pins, sunglass cases and makeup bags, headbands, and table runners

I will try and stay caught up now. I have a huge event coming up in June at our campground. They are expecting well over 1000 people a day. The event is called "Chopperfest". There are around 20 bands, some famous wrestlers and celebreties not named yet, motorcycle events, a car show, all kinds of vendors and food and beverages. The proceeds of the two day event go to help disabled children in Wisconsin. I will be doing some wood crafts for that and I have some sewing items I want to make.

Andy's friend bought an older fixer upper house and asked if Justina and I would like to check out the "Junkue" in the shed and we can have whatever we want. The rest is going in the trash. Of course we said when can we go!!!

That's all for now. CinnamonLaine if you are out there let me know your address.

First goods are entered

2009-03-04T20:00:00.002-06:00

Check the link to Garagegramma's Goods. This is still a work in progress. more to be added soon. Tissue box covers will be next.

Coming Soon

2009-03-04T06:08:00.012-06:00

I am working on creating Garagegramma's Goods. I will keep you posted as to when it is up and going. Still have some tweeking to do.

Sneek peak of things to come!

Candle wraps **********************Candle/Table mats

Tissue box covers

Assorted handbags

I will be busy getting ready for a craft show on March 21st. So far there are going to be 25 crafters. It is at Fristad Lutheran Church in Centuria, Wisconsin. They are having this as part of their Centennial celebration. Justina is going with also. We have a Sunday School room as our space. There is no charge they just ask for a donation to help with advertising.

Spring is getting closer.

And the winner is....

2009-03-01T17:47:00.012-06:00

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED. IT WAS FUN READING ALL ABOUT YOU. I WILL BE CHECKING UP ON YOU ALL ONCE IN A WHILE.

HERE ARE THE NAMES IN A BOWL OF MY MOTHER 'S
SINCE IT IS SUNDAY AND WE USED IT FOR SUNDAY DINNERS INSTEAD OF MASHED POTATOES OR SOME TYPE OF VEGGIE I PUT ALL YOUR NAMES IN IT.

MY FRIEND DIANE PICKING THE NAME

CONGRATULATIONS

THE WINNER IS CINNAMONLAINE!

DROP ME AN EMAIL AT garagegramma@yahoo.com SO I CAN GET YOUR ADDRESS AND SEND YOUR PRIZE.

IT WAS FUN TO SEE HOW MUCH EVERYONE HAS IN COMMON AS FAR AS RELAXING. A LOT OF SEWING PEOPLE.

I LIKE TO DO SOME HAND STITCHING AND SEWING ALSO. CRAFTING IN GENERAL IS RELAXING TO ME. I ALSO LIKE TO SPEND TIME AT THE TRAILER. CAN'T WAIT TO DO THAT AGAIN SOON.

I GOT THIS END TABLE TOP THAT WAS PROBABLY GOING TO END UP IN A DUMPSTER. FORGOT TO TAKE A BEFORE PHOTO. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT POOR THING HAD NO LEGS. I ROUGHED IT UP WITH SAND PAPER AND PAINTED ON THE BUTTERMILK AND BARN RED. WAS NOT QUITE SURE WHAT TO PUT ON NEXT. IN THE MEANTIME I SET IT ON MY STOVE TOP AND I LIKED IT THERE. I FOUND THIS ROOSTER PATTERN AND THOUGHT IT WOULD BE KIND OF CUTE ON IT. JUST NEED TO MAYBE STAIN IT A BIT AND SPRAY CLEAR IT.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU CAN MAKE OUT OF OTHER PEOPLES TRASH. IT IS ALWAYS A TREASURE TO ME!!!

HAVE SOME SEWING PROJECTS I DID LAST WEEK TO POST YET. JUST NEED TO FINISH UP A COUPLE THINGS.

Blessing Box

2009-02-22T08:21:00.006-06:00

I found this unfinished box of course at a thrift store. I have been wanting to make some so I bought it for the pattern. I painted it black, added the "blessing" saying and sanded it. Now I just need to add some fillers.

Before

After

The little bench I have it on came from my parents. They had it sitting outside with a board on top and used it to set their coffee on while sitting on the glider. It is actually an old sewing machine stand. I dry brushed barn red on the board that I got my brother. The board was a piece that he had made from trees that my dad had planted when he was a teenager. They did a huge remodel of the old farmhouse and had trees off the farm rough sawn for the ceiling and kitchen cabinets. Pine on the ceiling and oak for the cabinets. Their kitchen and dining area walls were stripped down to the original log cabin (what a process) that my great-grandparents built. Well over a hundred years old. This project has been a very long one. My sister in law has a great deal of patience!! She waited a long time to have a real kitchen. Besides having six children growing up.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway.

Prim OOAK Bag Giveaway

2009-02-21T12:41:00.007-06:00

HERE IT IS!..................

This handmade bag measures approximately 15X15. Tea stained with cinnamon and vanilla added. Then baked of course. This is just something I whipped up this morning. I thought it needed a good home. So I am giving it away. To enter leave a comment about what your favorite relaxing thing to do is . Mine is sewing and just crafting in general. I will pick the winner on Sunday, March 1st. Check back on Monday to see if you are the lucky winner!

Thrift Store Find

2009-02-19T14:18:00.007-06:00

I love when you find great deals at the thrift stores. I came across some tab top curtains a few weeks ago. I did plan on using them for sewing projects but they were a perfect fit for my kitchen window. I knew I wanted some kind of top for them or maybe a different way to hang them. Well, on my trifty excursions on Tuesday I found some black and white check fabric. It is heavy fabric almost like canvas. There was at least five yards so I got it. The curtains were $4 and the material was $3. I washed it up and of course I had the frayed edge. I used that for my hem and made a valance to go over the curtains. I had enough left for a table cloth to match.

Plain tab top curtains

Checked fabric. Loved the frayed edge.

Finished look!

The runner on the table is one my mother had. And the big star on the left my dad had made to put up at Christmas.

Now I am on my way to Andy's to "kid sit"!! Jabin said they don't need a "baby sitter" because they are not babies. How cute is that.

Old drying rack gets a new life!

2009-02-18T07:04:00.007-06:00

I found this great old drying rack for $1 at our local flea market barn. It really needed some "TLC"! I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with it. There were a few loose rungs. I had a "light bulb" moment this morning. I do get them once in awhile. Wouldn't those prim towels from my valentine swap make it come to life. I tied it on the top with some scrap homespun to keep it closed. Hung it on my kitchen wall under the cabinets now it looks like it was ment to be there.

This poor thing was just waiting for a good home!

Now it has feelings!

Will post more good finds later. I have the before shots just need to do something with all my great finds.

First on my agenda for today is shovel. We had some snow over night. Looks like just a couple inches or so. Forecast is for below zero windchills. I thought we were done with that. Sure am glad I ran errands yesterday.

Secret Valentine is revealed!!!!

2009-02-17T15:58:00.012-06:00

And my Secret Valentine is.............

Much to my surprise I had this big package by my door when I arrived home today. I got such a wonderful array of goodies! I could hardly believe my eyes. I love everything. It was from Raggedy Angel.

Thank you, Beth so much for everything. I'm glad you liked everything I made for you. That was alot of fun.

Upholstery Fabric Handbags

2009-02-15T16:31:00.012-06:00

Looking through the assortment of upholstery samples I envisioned some two tone handbags. Well, being I was home alone today while Ted was working I got right to it. I really love the way they turned out. They take about an hour, by time I get everything cut out, straps made and lining put in. Gee a serger sure would be nice (one can only dream).

Like the display!

The other side is opposite. Solid on the bottom.

I made chicken stir fry with rice for supper. Of course all my veggies I got yesterday. I got everything chopped up and in the freezer.

Just think February is half over. Spring is on it's way.

Got bitten by the love bug???

2009-02-14T13:10:00.008-06:00

This morning I went to Amery they have a food share there once a month. Anyone can go. It is $10 and I got potatoes, onions, a Walmart size bag of tomatoes , green peppers & fresh green beans, two bags of mini bagels, a dozen little zucchini, the meat was a package of hot dogs, two bags of salad, and a case of yogurt smoothie drinks. You get to go through the line twice. Bring your laundry basket and fill it up. My step-daughter Tanya goes alot and said I should try it. I think there was close to 300 people there. From there I went to the Save-A-Lot store to get the rest of my groceries. It is similar to an Aldie's. I also went to the second hand store didn't find anything I really need there. It is fun to go and look.

My next stop was Andy's on the way home. Evan gave me this "Love Bug". He said he didn't like it. She sent some valentine cookies and cupcakes home with me for us. Yesterday she dropped off a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's for us. That will be our dinner tonight.

I made the to go cup sleeves yesterday.

I used the fabric samples for these also.

I also made this handbag for Tanya. She liked the look and it felt like leather. I gave it to her today and of course she loved it.

Well I should go and get something done. Hope you have a great day.

Valentine Surprise

2009-02-12T13:17:00.008-06:00

The postman delivered this adorable "Annie" today. I absolutely love it. Still no name on the return address. Mystery to me.

I have been sewing some hand bags this week

will post a picture when I am done doing the finishing touches.

Not much else new around here. I did get some new wood patterns today, I order the from The Winfield Collection. Now if it would only warm up so I could work in the garage without dressing like I was going ice fishing!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(Happy Valentine's Day)

Upholstery Fabric Gets a New Look

2009-02-09T07:47:00.011-06:00

I have been busy sewing the last week. I came across some upholstery samples and my brain was on overload. What could I possibly do with them. Well after giving it some thought here is what I did with them.

I made coasters, eye cases, checkbook covers, makeup bags, camera cases, and can wraps.

I also found a new hand bag pattern I have been wanting so I tried that out. I did a little variation from the pattern just to make it quicker.

This was my trial & error bag. I made a little bag to put goodies in also. The fabric was just some remnant I had in my stash.

I also received a package from my Valentine Swap. LOVE IT!!!!!

Too bad we don't have smell-a-blog! They smell just like red hots! YUM YUM

On Saturday I tagged along with Justina. First we went to "the barn". They were open for the day. I picked up about twenty five yards of fabric for ten dollars. What a deal! We then went to Andy's for the Stampin' Up open house. From there we went to Stillwater and checked out Justina's things she has at the Primitive store there. They were so wonderful looking on display. She comes up with some pretty awesome ideas. On to Eagan for my great niece's birthday party. Elsie is five now. It was fun for Amaya to get to go to her cousin's party. I was busy in the kitchen helping Grandma Sue (my sister & Elsie's grandma) bake pizza's for the bunch.

What a group. I think there must have been twenty kids plus all the adults. Not very quiet there! It was fun anyway.

Sunday was quiet for me. Ted had to work so I tackled my taxes. I got that done. E-file is great. That's all I got for now. Have a great week.

Ice Races made for Saturday fun!!!

2009-02-03T05:48:00.015-06:00

Last Saturday we went to Lake Magnor to see Dave ice race. It was a beautiful sunny day with warm temps. Our friends Wayne and Diane went with us. Diane had never seen anything like that before. She would get so excited when they went spinning around on the corners. I managed to get a few pictures. Tina is always too busy counting laps to get action shots.

The race is on! The black truck is Dave.

Coming around the far corner.

Dave going by us.
Limo on the ice. Of course they were not in the race! Just someone out for a ride.

Tina is inside counting the laps. Can you see her in the grey sweatshirt? Last summer we hauled our crafts around in that camper.

This guy spun around in front of us. The race was over for him. Stuck in the snow bank.

We stayed there for awhile then took a drive to the campground. We had a fun day.

One of these Saturday's we will bring the little kids. They love to go. I bring hot dogs, chips, and hot chocolate for them. We have a cheap round grill and make hot dogs on that. For some reason they taste really good. It makes for a great winter picnic.

Today's visitor

2009-01-30T15:09:00.008-06:00

My visitor

Today I looked out the window and and to my surprise there was a cardinal on the pine tree in the back yard. I have not seen one all winter. Last fall I had several pair. I could here him singing this morning. We all say when we see the cardinals that Grandma and Grandma Retz are visiting. I guess Grandpa was here for a visit today. That's good I was thinking about him today. He hung around for about an hour or so. Sure hope he comes back again for a visit.

Having some lunch

Resting his tummy

I took these looking out window that is what the glare is from. I was afraid if I went out the back door I would scare him away. Cole and I watched for a long time.

I have Cole on Monday's sometime and every Friday in the afternoon for a couple hours. Tanya goes to the local technical college. That's what Gramma's are for. Today he helped clean out the toy box. He is a great helper. I also have cut up paper all over the living room. He loves to use the paper cutter I use for card making. Plus he loves to use the hole punch. It's a clean mess.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Primmed up Tissue Box

2009-01-30T07:29:00.009-06:00

My "prim" daughter Tina put in a special order for her tissue boxes. Puffs box covers with a "crow tag primmed"!! Imagine that! Even though I had my whole sewing room in a disarray (trying to clean & organize). I hand did these for her. I finished them up last night while watching some tv. I sure hope she likes them.

"Special order for Justina!"

I whipped up these cute stockings also.

Not sure what my next project will be. I got the sewing room done. I think my clothes closet. The local clothing center needs donations so I want to get my closets cleaned out. They charge $1 per bag for what people take. They will take anything from clothes & shoes to household items.The local food shelf is located there also. I used their services when my kids were younger so if I can help out a single mom in need it gives me great pleasure. I certainly know what that is like.

I have to get something made for my "Valentine Swap" yet. I wonder who got my name?? It will be fun to see.

Have a great weekend. Nothing planned with us.

Felted Wool Candle Wraps

2009-01-28T12:11:00.008-06:00

Dress up your jar candles!!

Candle wraps are made from a wool coat that has been washed and machine dried. I used scraps of fabric to trim them up. Crotchet thread and embroidery floss to stitch them up. Wraps will fit over a 20 oz. jar candle (I got these at Micheal's). Made to slide over the top of the jar. They are available to you for $12.oo including shipping. I interested contact me at garagegramma@yahoo.com. I will let you know how to order (jar candles not included). I have only one of each.

1. Simplify 2. Red Plaid Star 3. Black heart & red star

4. Crow 5. Black star 6. Faith

7. Black plaid & red heart 8. Black sheep 9. Crow tag/star

10. Star/crows 11. Sheep

Family Fun Pictures

2009-01-26T17:17:00.010-06:00

Elsie with her birthday gifts. I made the hat from a sweater.

Waiting for our food! And visiting.

Kids playing a game

Greg & Andy in the "hot tub"!!!!

Carla, Kari, Dennis, Amanda & Elsie

Jabin, Tina, Evan, Amaya behind the ball

Alex in front

Kari & Alma

Greg & Evan

Tina & Amaya

Jabin & Andy

Amanda's birthday gifts.

Retz Family Get-Together Fun

2009-01-26T17:15:00.001-06:00

Over the weekend my family met in Tomah at the Cranberry Country Lodge to have some family fun. There were twenty-one of us all together. Tina, Nicci, and Amaya. Andy, Greg, Evan and Jabin. My two sisters Sue and her husband Don, Carla and her husband Dennis, their two boys Andy and Alex. My niece Kari and two girls Elsie and Alma. Kari’s in-laws June and Dudley. Of course me, Ted and Amanda. Tina and the girls shared a room with us. We let the kids swim until after ten thirty that night.

Saturday after everyone ate breakfast the swimming began! Tina, Amanda, Nicci and & I ventured around Tomah while Grandpa Ted swam with Amaya . We were gone about three hours and they were still in the pool when we got back! Tomah has a lot of cute shops to check out. (We need to make a girls weekend sometime to check them out more).

After lunch and naps of course there was more swimming to be done. The motel provided us a meeting room to get together in so we ordered food from Pizza Hut and had a chance for us all to visit. We celebrated Andy, Amanda, and Elsie’s birthdays with chocolate cupcakes. Kari (my Niece) brought Mad Libs so we made up some pretty funny stories. After everyone went back to their rooms, of course we weren’t tired so Tina, Nicci, Amanda and I went to Kari’s room for some girl talk and a few beverages. Good thing our rooms were right next to each other!!

After breakfast on Sunday the kids swam some more until it was time to head home. What a fun time that was. We will have to do it again sometime. Grandma and Grandpa Retz were with us all in spirit.

Fun at Andy's

2009-01-20T18:49:00.015-06:00

Yesterday I brought Cole to play with Evan & Jabin. They rode bikes in the basement for awhile. We had lunch and then went outside to play. Greg made an awesome sliding path for the kids. They flew down the hill. There is a huge bump at the end and they go airborne for a brief second. After sliding they had hot chocolate and watched a movie. It was then time for me to bring Cole back to my house. What fun they had.

Evan and Jabin at the bottom of the hill.

Cole at the bottom of the hill. Jabin on his way up.

Cole coming up the hill.

Andy giving Evan a push!!

When I arrived Andy handed me a bag and in it was a pair of her pants that needed mending. Evan's PJ's that needed buttons. Two bath towels that she wanted me to make hair wraps out of them. Guess I had some projects to do. (By the way they are completed already).

Hair wraps and bus bags.

The boys ride the bus to and from school and have bus buddies. These are older kids that sit and read to them during their bus ride. Andy asked me to make a couple bags so she could fill them with goodies. So I got that accomplished also.

Today I went and had lunch with a friend that I haven't seen for awhile. It was good to see her again. She is layed off her job so she was glad to get out and visit.

Recycling of a leather coat

2009-01-19T09:06:00.005-06:00

Tanya (my stepdaughter) is having a birthday on Tuesday. She had seen some of the purses that I made and hinted she needed one. Well, she is not a print kind of girl. Racking my brain trying to think of something I could use, I remembered I had a long leather coat that I haven't worn in years. So after ripping out seams I cut out my purse. The hem of the coat worked perfectly for the top and I used the coat lining to line the bag. Cut come long lengths for straps and stitched it up. I also made a pouch for her to put small items inside.

Tanya's bag. I gave it to her this morning when she dropped off Cole. She loved it!

Today I am going to Andy's house so Cole can play with Evan & Jabin. It is warm out so they can play outside.

The Temps are Rising!

2009-01-16T19:54:00.009-06:00

It has been well below zero now for over "80" hours. Yesterday it was-25 and today it was -27 with windchills in the -40 range. Schools have been closed the last two days. It has been record breaking cold. Tonight the temp is 5 above. Whoo-hoo!!! Anyway it has been just plain cold.

I did a bit of sewing this week. I made a couple pillows. Today I experimented on some headbands. Quite simple. A good thing for all the small pieces of material I have. I did make Amanda's birthday present. I will see her next weekend and give it to her then. Will post that later.

Next weekend my family is having a get together at the Cranberry Country Lodge in Tomah, WI. There will be around twenty five of us there. That is about half way for us to meet my sister Carla and her family. They live in Waukesha, WI. There will be six kids under the age of six. We decided last summer it would be fun to get together at a motel so the kids could swim. Thanks Kari (my niece) for making arrangements. I know the little ones are excited to see their cousins.

Sewing projects.

Not much else new here this week. Kind of quiet for me. Stay warm.

Stitchin's

2009-01-13T10:13:00.008-06:00

Stitchin' Fun

Here are the finished goods. I made three little pillows and a wall hanging.

We got close to four inches of fresh snow yesterday. It was the light fluffy kind. It is kind of pretty. Today it is just plain cold.

Don't forget to enter the Valentine Swap.

Valentine Swap

2009-01-12T10:44:00.009-06:00

Go to Tina's blog (pepercreekgatherings) and join the Valentine Swap. Sounds like fun. The Valentine shown here is from old Valentines I found that were my Aunt Mabel's from when she was a school teacher at Pine Grove School in Boyceville, Wisconsin. It was a one room school house. Both my parents went their. In fact Aunt Mabel taught my mother. My older sister Sue went there also. It is no longer there. I have a chunk (small) of the black board that was on the wall. Also a couple old school books from there.

Today is "catch" up day. I have to get caught up on some much needed housework I didn't get done with Amaya here. I started some stitcheries and need to finish them up too. This morning I made some "bath cookies". I will let you now how they work. It is supposed to get really cold this week not getting above zero. I'm not liking that. Stay warm and have a pleasant week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA

2009-01-11T10:44:00.007-06:00

Today is Amanda's birthday. Hope she has a good one. I won't see her for a couple weeks so she will have to wait for her present. I have to make it yet!!!

All quiet now with Amaya back to her mom. Here is a picture of Amaya and Tina with the presents.

Not much else new today. Just going to hang out and maybe do some stitcing today. It's trying to snow and cloudy so it makes for a good couch day!!!

Camp Gramma comes to an end:(

2009-01-10T08:49:00.012-06:00

Friday was the last day for Amaya to spend the night. I made her the other skirt out of material she had brought. I added some lace to the bottom that I had from my mother's collection of stuff. She put it on with her swimming suit and pretended she was a dancer and an ice skater. Evan and Jabin came over for awhile and we had pizza, "two" bags of popcorn and watched a movie. I can't believe the week is over.

I got a text at around 4:45 am from Tina. They just got home. They drove all the way home in 24 hours. Crazy Crazy Crazy!!! We will bring Amaya back this afternoon. The plan is to meet them at the ice races at Lake Magnor close to their house.

Amaya with her skirt.

The kids on the "majic" couch! I had to make a gingerbread puppet for Evan. He brought some red ricrac for me to put on it. I let Amaya sleep on it on her last night. They all think it's really cool to sleep on.
Here are the stitchings I made this week. Can you guess which one is for Amaya's Mom?

Andy and Greg came to pick up the boy's around nine. Amaya came out with marker all over her face. She was being a "tiger. Good thing it was washable and not a sharpie!!!

Andy took this picture of them. Amaya was upset because she thought she was in trouble. But is washed right off.

Cute ha!!

It sure will be quiet around here when Amaya is gone. It was alot of fun.

Gotta go and get Amaya's stuff all packed up and make some pancakes for breakfast.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Thursday tidbits

2009-01-09T09:48:00.010-06:00

Here is a quick look at our Thursday's activities. Amaya played school for hours. She had the table set up with the "kids" and her teacher desk. The kids were the snowmen I made at Christmas time. She played play dough for along time also. We made a present for her mom. I'll post that at a later date. It has to be a surprise. Tanya and Cole came last night so the kids got to play. All in all a pretty quiet day.

Amaya playing school. Notice the snowmen on the chairs.

Amaya and some of her kids.

I made this sign and have it hanging in the kitchen. How appropriate!!

Tonight Evan and Jabin are coming. Not sure if they are staying over night yet. Amaya wants pizza and a movie. I guess we need to go get some. We are having pancakes for breakfast Saturday morning. Cole is coming in the afternoon to play also. No rest for Gramma quite yet (jk). My girls keep reminding me how much time they would spend at the farm with Grandma and Grandpa Retz. They always tell me paybacks!!! I'm just glad I can be able to do it. It will be kind of quiet around here when Amaya goes home. I'll miss her.

A look at Amaya's Day Three at Gramma's

2009-01-08T07:30:00.012-06:00

It was kind of a quiet day. Amaya's dad dropped her off a little after seven in the morning. She cuddled up on the couch with a blanket and watched some tv for awhile. I decided to bake some "cake mix" cookies. So easy to make and yummy! See recipe below. Amaya helped moosh them down. We also made some little sheep. I painted mine and she used markers to color hers. She also reminded me that we forgot to "cook" them. She watches her mother bake everything. Mostly she just hung out and played. It was jammies all day for her. I think she has a bit of a cold because she's been coughing. So before she went to bed I did the old gramma thing by greasing her up with Vick's. I had read to put it on the bottoms of feet and put socks over. Hey, it worked she didn't cough all night!

Cole and Tanya didn't come over to play because Tanya was a bit under the weather also. They might come today after Cole gets done with school. If they do we might take the kids to the indoor playground that just went in. Kind of interesting to check that out.

That's about it. Here are a couple pictures from our day. Check out Tina's blog to see some pictures from her trip. They start home today and should be her to get Amaya sometime on Saturday.

Amaya "mooshing" the cookeis.

Our sheep.

Cake Mix Cookies

1 box cake mix

Add only the eggs and oil

I use my small melon scoop and dip the glass in suger before pressing them down.

Bake in 350degree oven for 10-12 minutes.

I used just a plain yellow cake and put icing on them.

Powdered sugar, butter and milk

You can add chips or sprinkles or whatever but we like them just plain.

Try them out. Great to make with the kids.

HAPPY COOKIE BAKING!

Day Two at Camp Gramma

2009-01-06T19:31:00.012-06:00

After sleeping until almost ten Amaya got up , had breakfast and took a bath. That kept her busy for awhile. We then cut out some puppets and I stitched them up. I made four more. She wanted on to be a boy. In the meantime her dad called and asked if he could take her to McDonald's for lunch. While she was gone I made some clothes for her puppets. It was nice out so we decided to go outside for awhile. We made a fort out of the big chunks of snow and I dug a big hole in the snowbank so she could have a cave. We were out for about an hour. It was hot chocolate time when we came in. I also had her put the faces on her puppets. She asked me if I could make her a skirt, so I did. I guess we are making another one. Her fabric is all picked out. She spent the night at her dad's. Gramma got some rest!!!

Amaya's fort

Amaya in the fort

The "cave"

Puppets

The new skirt. What a lovely out fit she has on. Notice the new monkey socks. She was just trying on her skirt to see how it fit. We really didn't have a shirt to match. She can wear it for play if nothing else.

Wow what a busy day we had.

Monday with Amaya

2009-01-06T09:13:00.007-06:00

Well Amaya sure did keep Gramma busy. I had gotten a foamie craft project on clearance at Micheal's so she made those. I made play dough and also sticthed up a puppet she drew on. Her dad stopped in for a visit last night on his way home from work. Andy also stopped to pick up her sunglasses she forgot here the other day. Her and Greg were on their way to Ikea and spend the day together for her birthday. Hope you had fun. Tina called Amaya from New Mexico to check up on her. Tanya and Cole came for a visit also. They are going to come over on Wednesday so the kids can play. Not sure what today will bring. Whatever it does I'm sure I will be tired at the end of the day!! I am so not used to keeping a five year old entertained!! It is fun though.

Amaya working on foamie crafts.

Amaya with play dough.

Amaya with her puppet.

It's nice out today so I think we will go outside for awhile. Check back tomorrow to see what happened today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!!

2009-01-05T06:51:00.004-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDYIt's Andy's birthday today. Hope it's a good one. How old are you now???

Here is her present I made. She needed a replacement for the Christmas one I made for her entry wall.

Saturday we took a drive to the campground. Wow is there a lot of snow there. We didn't stay overnight. There was freezing rain and snow on the way so it's a good thing we came home. Here a few pictures of what it looks like up there. BRRRRR........

Next time we will bring a shovel. Plus it hopefully will be warmer.

Stay warm. It's -15 degrees this morning. That's not including the windchill.

New Year Party at Andy's

2009-01-02T08:47:00.004-06:00

New Year's Eve I went to Andy's house for an overnight. Tina, Amaya and Amanda were there also. We had a fun time. The kid's stayed up until almost one in the morning. We watched the ball drop (actually twice) time difference you know. Then they saw Robby Knievel jump over the volcano in Vegas. They all thought that was pretty cool. The kids pretended they were cowboys and horses. What imagination they have. We munched on goodies throughout the evening also. Thanks Andy for having us.

The "Cowboys" Amaya, Evan & Jabin

Kids playing a game.

"Sisters"

Andy, Amanda, Tina

"feel the love!"

It's the New Year!

Whole lotta kissin' going on.

Andy & Evan

Andy & Greg

Andy & Jabin

Andy are your lips tired???

Everyone slept in late the next morning. It was about 8:30 when I felt someone tapping on my head. It was Evan. We had scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausages and toast for breakfast. Or should I say brunch. I came back home around eleven and just kind of hung out the rest of the day. I did work on Andy's birthday present. Can't show ya yet though her birthday is on Monday. I don't want to ruin the surprise.

Hope everyone had a safe New Year.

Have a good vacation Tina.

An end to another year!

2008-12-31T10:44:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it 2008 is almost over. Seems like the time goes by faster every year. As I look back on this year I realize how truly blessed I am. I have a partner that lets me stay home. I have three wonderful daughters, a stepdaughter and stepson, and a bunch of the most beautiful grandchildren a Gramma could ask for.

Christmas at Andy's. 12/13/2008

Here's wishing you all a very safe and blessed New Year. May 2009 bring you great new memories to share with friends and family.

Two Spideys!!!

2008-12-30T08:11:00.004-06:00

Evan and Jabin got new reversible Spider man suits for Christmas. They stayed here last Friday while Andy ran some errands. Can you guess who is who? They were trying to trick Grandpa.

Evan & Jabin

Here they are with their puppet theater. They also got some cute little finger puppets to go with it. I might have to figure those out. Kinda puttsy looking.

We also watched their new movie they got for Christmas "Alvin and the Chipmunks". That was really a cute movie. I remember when the Chipmunks came out when I was a kid!!

Next week Amaya will be here for the week while her Mom is on her vacation to New Mexico. Amaya is bringing her sewing machine so we can sew. I think I will also have Cole one day so they can play. Hopefully the weather won't be too cold for them to go out and play. Sounds like more snow coming. That's OK. We have hardly any left after it being so warm and the rain on Friday night. Now we have ice everywhere. Gramma will be busy next week trying to keep Amaya occupied.

Amanda came home with me on Sunday from the sleepover. Today we will figure out how she will get home to Rochester. It's nice that she can come and visit for a few days. We don't get to see her that often.

Sleep-over/Birthday Party

2008-12-29T06:43:00.006-06:00

On Saturday we had a mom/kid sleep over at my sister Sue's house in Eau Claire. And since it was my birthday that day we celebrated that too. My niece Kari and her two girls Elsie and Alma, Tina , Nicci, Amaya, Amanda, Andy, Evan, Jabin, and of course me. We all took over the hause on Saturday afternoon. Our plan was to order pizza and hang out. Well Sue had a ton of food. Vegie tray, meat and cheese, chips and dip, Andy went and got cheese cake, ice cream, pumpkin bars, and brownies. No pizza needed. Of course there were "beverages" for everyone.

Sue, Amanda and Kari

Kari we did have glasses!

The kids played downstairs. They watched movies and pretty much trashed the place. But they sure had fun.

Amaya, Evan, Jabin, Elsie and Alma

The big girls hung out upstairs and watched movies. We watched some chic flics!!

Sue made pancakes for breakfast on Sunday. After the kids were all fed we let them go out sliding for ahwile. They were not out too long it was kind of cold. We then all got packed up to go home. What a great time. Thanks Sue for having us.

We went to Micheals after that and did a little shopping. We stopped at McDonalds on our way home also.

Jabin, Amaya, Evan

Got home and hit the couch. I was tired. I got this wonderful digital camera from the girls for my birthday. I just love it.

A note to Tina: Here is the "gift"!!! Cute ha!

A visit with my "95" year young Aunt

2008-12-23T18:19:00.001-06:00

My Dad's sister Mabel

Today I went to visit my Aunt Mabel at the local nursing home. They had a Christmas Tea. We sang carols, there were cute skits put on by the activity group, and we had yummy treats. My cousin Annette call and asked if I wanted to go. We had a very nice visit.

My Aunt is the oldest living from my Dad's family. I also have Uncle Carl who is in a nursing home close to his son Bob. There were five children in the family.

Tomorrow morning I am going to bring her to church services. It will be nice to be able to do that for her. She never married and so she has no children. My cousin visits her every day. She couldn't make the service so I said I would go.

I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas.

Christmas with the Grandkids

2008-12-22T05:37:00.000-06:00

Even though the temps were well below zero, we had Christmas with our kids yesterday. I decided on lasagna, salad and garlic bread. That was easy! Normally I would have my counters overflowing with crock pots and all sorts of goodies. It worked out perfect. There were only a couple of pieces of lasagna left. Thanks Andy for the lasagna, I will settle up with you later. After supper of course the little ones were anxious for presents. I had gone to the Dollar Tree in Eau Claire and got stuff like glue sticks, stickers, tape, colored paper, etc.. I tell you that was a big hit. Amaya loved her easel!! Jabin was so excited over the free monkey calander I had picked up and his monkey puppet he loved it. Evan painted up the little wooden car that came with markers I found in the $ bin at Micheals.

Jabin with his "Monkey"

Grandpa playing "Go Fish" with Parker and Amaya.

Cole was watching.

Andy gave me this adorable sheep.

Created by none other that Tina.

LOVE IT!!!!!

It was a good day. Getting together with family is the greatest gift of all.

HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS

2008-12-17T19:18:00.000-06:00

I decided today to make some Christmas gifts for Amaya, Evan and Jabin. Amaya loves to paint and draw like her big sister Nicci, so I thought that I would make her an easel. The boys are getting a puppet theater from their Mom and Dad so I made them puppets. Amaya's Easel

Wipe Board and Cork Board on the back

Puppet for the boys

I might make some people puppets yet. I found the pattern at www.puppetpub.com. They have free downloads of the patterns.

Gotta go burgers in the pan.

Gramma's overnight with the "Boys"

2008-12-17T05:32:00.000-06:00

Monday afternoon I went to Andy's house to spend the night with Evan and Jabin. Andy and Greg went to the Tonic Sol Fa concert and out to dinner. I was there in time to get the boys of the bus. We had a snack and I snuggled on the couch for awhile with Evan and a blanket. He said he was cold. It was very cold outside. wind chills were thirty below zero. I asked them what we should have for supper. "Butter noodles" said Jabin. "Noodles and Parmesan cheese" said Evan. We had some corn dogs too.

"Jabin & Evan eating supper"
"Jabin"

"Evan taking a bite of his corn dog"

He eats the outside first and then the hot dog!
"Vinnie the Volcano hats they made at school.
The volcano goes whoosh!!! And starts with "V".

While I was watching the news on Channel 5 they say that "Charlie Brown was on at 7pm that night . They were so excited. So on went the jammies. They kept watching the clock to see when it was time. After the show was done they had to of course go and do some art work for awhile. Eight thirty was bedtime so this time Gramma had to lay down with Jabin since last time I layed with Evan. Jabin fell asleep and Evan wanted me to snuggle by him for awhile so I did. Soon I had two sleeping boys.

"Jabin with his "holes in his jammies."
He said Gramma can sew them!!! Think they are beyond repair.

Tuesday morning up and off to school. I went out about 8:30 to start my car to go home and I got nothing. So here I am stranded at Andy's . (Darn!) We made some friendship tea, I read a book she gave me. The book is called "The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans (http://www.richardpaulevans.com/). What a wonderful story. Put a whole new perspective on Christmas. I am not a book person but this is a very easy to read book and took me about an hour and a half to read. I would recommend it to all.

Tina and Dave stopped by and Dave tried to jump start the car but no luck. He put the battery charger on for me. Greg got home and tried it around five thirty and still nothing. He did notice that the charger was set on two amps. He switched it to six. Two more trys and still nothing. I called home for Ted to come and get me. He got there a little after seven. Wouldn't you know when Greg tried it then it started right up. Oh well that's the way it goes. So I finally did get home around eight o'clock. Evan and Jabin wanted me to stay. They said they would miss me. Good thing I had a nice warm place to be with car problems! Thanks Andy for putting up with me so long. And thanks to the guys for helping me out.

Retz Family Get Together

2008-12-14T09:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we had a great day at Andy's house. We ate, laughed & cried. A lot of reminiscing. Spending the day with loved ones is great for making new memories. Some of us made cookies. The kids made gingerbread houses on paper plates. They played and had a great time with their cousins. Sliding fun was had by big and little kids!

Amanda, Andy, Tina and Nicci laughing over something!

"Sisters"

My gift ! Some cool kitchen towels, hot pad and dish cloths for the holidays.

I got Kari's gift. Thanks so much. Love 'em.

It's so great to have family.

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-12T19:56:00.000-06:00

I started out the day today leaving the house at 6:30 am. Needed to get chicken wings for tomorrow. From there I went to Andy's and rode withe her to pick up Tina. We then traveled to Barron to go the Country Cupboard. They get everything in bulk then package it up in bags and cute little plastic containers. There is every baking ingredient you can imagine. I especially love the chai tea and cappacino mixes. I am having some chai while I am writing this. We then checked out a couple other places.

After dropping Tina at home. Andy and I went to help Evan & Jabin with their gingerbread houses at school. That was a great time. Haven't done that since my kids were little. I was Evan's helper.

Evan frosting his house. Evan putting on the trims. The finished product.

When he was done he told me to take a picture so I could put it on my blog. How cute is that!

The Proud Bakers

What a great day. Spending it with your loved ones.

Meet Margaret!

2008-12-11T15:45:00.000-06:00

May I introduce Margaret. She is a hand did doll my o so crafty daughter Tina made me for Christmas. I got her today. I went to Tina's and we made lefsa at Mardell's house (Dave's Mom). They rolled and I cooked. It went pretty fast with three of us working on it. Sure was yummy, especially right of the griddle with lotza butter! Back to Margaret. She's named after my Mom and her dress and pantaloons are made from a quilt top Tina found that my Mom never finished. She has a little hand did tag necklace that says Margaret and is holding a heart that says " I Love U". I put her in the little laundry basket I have had since I was two or three. The bedding is my old pillow case also. Hand embroidered by my Mom. Thanks Tina so much. I just love her. I love hand did thoughtful gifts. Better than money can buy. Tomorrow I go and help Evan and Jabin at school with gingerbread houses. I'm going for lunch too. Hope it's something good!

The Stockings are done by Gramma with care!

2008-12-10T14:10:00.001-06:00

I got the stockings done. Jabin's is made from an old sweatshirt, Evan's from old sweatpants, Amaya's from scraps of felt from the thrift store and buttons from Great Gramma's button box. Here are the finished products. Had to be kind of creative on the monkey and Clifford. Sure hope they like them. What are Gramma's for, but to make grandkids happy.

Slab wood snowmen

2008-12-10T07:59:00.000-06:00

I made these cute snowmen out of some slab wood I had left over from this summer. Painted them a buttermilk white, sewed up some hats and scarves, painted the face and hot glued on the hats and scarves. I am donating them to a benefit for a young girl that has cancer. I used to work with her mom and her sister passed away a few years ago from cancer also. It gives me such pleasure to give things away that I make especially when it is for a good cause.

I have a big pot of split pea soup cooking today. This weather makes me hungry for a good soup. The temp this morning is 5 degrees. BRRRRR!!!! More snow forecasted for today. I am going to sew up some Christmas stockings for Evan , Jabin and Amaya today. Not sure what will be on them yet I just know a red one for Jabin and a blue one for Evan. I'll post the pictures when I am done.

Keep warm!!!

White Christmas

2008-12-09T09:25:00.000-06:00

Well it looks like we will have a white Christmas here. We got a couple more inches of snow last night.

We went to Milwaukee over the weekend to visit with some dear friends of ours. They always have a fish fry in December. We stayed at their home Friday and Saturday. On Sunday we visited at my sister Carla's house. Had lunch and watched the game. Went and got a motel room and got to sit in the whirlpool. Carla brought Alex over to swim with Ted in the evening. Returned home Monday afternoon. It's a good thing we came home it snowed alot in that part of the state. We would have had to drive back in that. YUK!

Today we are going to do some Christmas shopping. I haven't started that yet. Saturday my family is getting together at Andy's house with whoever can make it. Carla is coming up from Waukesha so we thought it would be a good day to get together. We are planning a cookie baking day with the kids. That should be interesting with seven little one under the age of six. We are going to do just a girl gift exchange this year. I better get busy and think of something crafty to make.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Charlie Brown Tree

2008-12-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

I made this cute little Charlie Brown tree this morning. I had seen one at the store for $20 and thought how easy that would be to make. Went out in the yard and got a branch and with brown florist tape wrapped it and added the pine branches while wrapping. Went and got a scrap of wood out of the scrap box and drilled a hole in it the size of the branch a little hot glue in the hole to hold it in place. I added a couple ornaments from the craft supply and I had my version of the tree. So for basically free I had my own Charlie Brown tree.

Last night Jabin had to call me and tell me he had a loose tooth. So I got busy to make him a little tooth bag for under his pillow. Of course I had to make Evan one too. Amaya is so crafty she sewed her own. She's take after her mother.

That's it for today. Have a great one.

Happy December!

2008-12-01T06:42:00.003-06:00

Well here it is December 1st. Only 25 days until Christmas. I have not even started my shopping yet. Yesterday was Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's. What a great time and good food. The kids had fun playing together. I did manage to eat some real food. Amanda came home with us and spent the night. She is going with me to the dentist today. Need to get some adjustments made.

I took this picture of my tree. I didn't turn on the lights, but I have all gold lights on it. All the ornaments are hand did by me. I ended up just putting up the artificial one that I had in the closet. Didn't feel like tramping in the woods for a real one.

Have a wonderful week.

Snowmen out of old towels.

2008-11-29T16:35:00.000-06:00

I found the pattern for these snowmen at a second hand store for 98cents. I thought they would be cute made out old towels. Sewed them up and stuffed them today. Have them sitting in my rocker I had when I was little. Also got my tree up today. I'll post a picture when I can get a good one.

I had kind of a hectic week. I had this tooth that was bothering me over the weekend. Well I ended up getting them all pulled and dentures put in all in the same day. This was on Tuesday. I had to go back on Wednesday for a follow up. Thanks Tina for bringing me. I got home and had a care package by my door from the girls (jello, pudding and soup) and flowers. Thanks girls!! That was my Thanksgiving dinner. I have been able to eat a little bit more the last couple of days. But still have a sore mouth. Will take a lot of getting used to. Tomorrow my family is getting together at my sister's in Eau Claire for dinner. Hope there is pumpkin pie!!!

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.

Camp Gramma

2008-11-22T18:11:00.000-06:00

Back packs, sleeping bags and pillows held tight.
Evan and Jabin came to stay for a sleep over last night.
Markers, crayons,scissors, tape and paper galore,
Oh my golly, you should have seen the floor!
They colored and cut,
taped it all up,but....
Gramma said, "It's time for bed."

So out came the majic bed,
"Can we watch Thomas?" Evan said.
The next thing I know they are fast asleep.
I wonder if they were counting sheep?
Their mother forgot to give me a warning,
that they'd be up at six in the morning!
I'd never thought this is where they would be at,
the kitchen table is where they sat.
Cutting and cutting
coloring and taping.
We watched some movies and had a snack.
Boy is Gramma ready for the sack.

The Pilgrims have landed!!!

2008-11-21T05:13:00.000-06:00

I was helping Andy yesterday afternoon so I got to be there when the boys got home from school. We met them at the driveway when they got off the bus. I hid so they couldn't see me. Were they surprised. They couldn't wait to get their pilgrim suits on to show us. They made them at school and had turkey at lunch. Andy and Greg had parent-teacher conferences so I stayed with the boys. We had mac & cheese for supper.They were so busy making projects. No wonder they need "fresh white paper", glitter glue, etc. for Christmas. Art work everywhere. Evan had folded a bunch of paper and I had to staple them together. "Three staples", said Evan. He then had scribbles on every page and I could hear him telling a story. It was about the Pilgrims, turkey, the boat coming on the ocean. The whole story of Thanksgiving from a five yerar old as he knew it. Jabin was busy making name tags for his class. They love to type on the computer and print. They sure keep you busy. They are spending the night tonight. Of course Evan wants to stay at the "camper". Kind of cold for that. It is seven degrees out right now. Brrrrrr.

Have a great day.

Tree Contest

2008-11-20T07:42:00.000-06:00

Enter Justina's tree contest at www.pepercreekgatherings.blogspot.com. You could win a real nice prize.

Great GiveAway

2008-11-19T16:23:00.000-06:00

I saw this great giveaway on Pepper Creek Gatherings so I thought I would pass it on. You could win "Gracie" but I'm going to. Go over and check her out at http://ragggedyangel.blogspot.com/. Tell Beth I sent you. She is such a cutie. Good Luck!!!

"Gracie"

Went to Andy's today and helped her clear coat trim. Got a lot done. Now her hubby can get the trim up. Better go and get some dinner going.

Finished Goods!

2008-11-19T06:01:00.000-06:00

Here are the finished goods I was working on yesterday. Snowball ornies are old Christmas balls I had in my stash. Covered them with joint compound, hung to dry then dipped in wax three times. Dipping one and two the wax was warm the third dip I had let the wax cool a bit. I wanted the globby look. I also made the table runner that is underneath them all. Had the Christmas music playing so that was really getting me in the mood. Last year I couldn't get into the mood because it was the first Christmas without both my parents. This year is just a bit better. I did put up a few little goodies around the house also. Have a glorious day.

Tuesday TidBits

2008-11-18T09:53:00.000-06:00

Last night my sister from Eau Claire called and said her husband had made a birthday cake for "Mom". They were bringing it to my brother's farm. I met them and enjoyed a delicous scratch chocolate cake and ice cream. I played some games with my nephew Sam that he uses to play with Grandma. He is ten. We played Connect Four, Go Fish, and Trouble. We all enjoyed a good visit.

Today so far I have gotten my snowball ornies started, sewn my candy canes, and coffee stained some snowmen that I had in my craft collection. Can't wait to show you the finished products. I will have to post my tree when I get it up. I'm off to coffee stain the candy canes now so more on these projects later. Now I can't wait to get my tree. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-11-17T10:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to a special angel. My mother's birthday would have been today. She would have been 86 years old today. She has been gone for two and a half years now. I miss her very much. Sometimes I would just like to pick up the phone and call or go visit her again. Hugs and kisses go out to her today and everyday. Great Gramma and Great Grampa with Elsie, Amaya, Jabin and Evan. These were their happiest times when they could hold the little ones and have all their family over. They have two more great granddaughters Alma and Hope.

Last week was kind of busy. Tuesday I went with Tina, Nicci, Amaya, Andy, Evan and Jabin to get haircuts etc. I spent the night at Andy's house. It was late when we got done and the roads were kind of icy. Evan made Gramma a spot in his bed. I got to see them off on the bus. In the morning I painted a dresser for Andy that she had gotten at a garage sale for $5. I painted it black. Her hubby got her some new knobs. I can't wait to see the finished product.

I sewed up some Christmas tree decorations for my tree. I have tons but felt the need for some new ones. I still have a few more to make yet. I want to make some candy canes and snowballs yet.

Found these cute patterns in the December issue of Create & Decorate magazine.

The campground is having a benefit this summer called "Chopper Fest". I'm thinking about having a booth there. If anyone has any ideas of things I can make that is "biker" related let me know. I have a few ideas but could use somemore. I don't ride motorcycle so I'm clueless.

Have a great week everyone.

Purses and Backpacks

2008-11-10T14:31:00.000-06:00

Well the weekend was a good one (except for the Packer game). Nicci's party was very nice. Everyone had a good time. Sorry Andy you missed the beer!! Saturday we brought Cody back up north. Our friends rode along with us. We had a great day.

Sunday I sewed while the Packer game was on. I could here it on tv while in the sewing room. I made two backpacks and a quilted purse. Today I made another quilted purse. I even quilted them both on my machine. I sewed thin batting to the material top layers.

Handmade bags ( all made from material I already had.)

Well that's all for now. Have a great week.

Candle Wraps and a Quilted Purse!!

2008-11-07T11:10:00.000-06:00

It's a snowy day here. Been in the kitchen all morning making potato salad and cake mix cookies for Nicci's 18th birthday party tonight. We are heading up north to pick up Cody, the campground owner's son so he can go to the party. It is a SURPRISE for Nicci from me.

Wednesday Tina, Andy and I ventured to Maplewood for some shopping. Joanne Fabric's, Maplewood Mall to Barnes and Nobles book store, Micheals and Target. It is always fun to do a day like that with the girls.

I made these cute candle wraps this week and also a quilted purse for myself. I have been in the sewing mood lately not sure why.

I suppose now that the girls will want some!! Have a wonderful weekend. GO PACKER'S!! (they play the Viking's).

And The Winner Is

2008-11-01T11:36:00.001-05:00

The towel winner is Mary! Congratulations!!! I had Ted pick a name out of a bowl when he got home from work. Have a great weekend everyone.

HAPPY SPOOOOOK DAY

2008-10-31T10:39:00.000-05:00

Seems like it was just New year's. Where has the time gone??? Can't wait to see who will win the towels. Are you excited?

Here is what I have been working on the last couple of days. Sure wish I wouldn't have given away all my Mother's embroidery thread. Never thought I would use it. Oh well, you can only keep so much. We gave it to a church friend of hers that likes to embroider towels. Made us feel good to give it to her. It went to a good home anyway. Some hand did stitchin's
Well not much else for today. Check back to see who won the towels. I will pick tomorrow morning. Good luck everyone.

I'm a SAHG!!!!

2008-10-29T12:24:00.000-05:00

I just thought of something funny. You know how SAHM stands for Stay At Home Mom. Well, I guess I would be considered a “SAHG” (Stay At Home Gramma).

It’s a beautiful day here in Western Wisconsin. The sun is shining and no WIND. Got the yard raked up now. Worked out great the city was picking up bags. No sooner got some to the curb and they were picked up. Had to bag them since we don’t have a truck anymore. Ted keeps hinting that he is going to trade the Trailblazer in on a pick-up. Maybe I should go pick one out (lol). I could really go junkin’ then!! “Look out free stuff along side the road here I come!”

Last night I made this cute stitchery. This morning I finished sewing it up. I think I’ll set a candle on it or something. Think I might try some more. It’s kind of cold in the garage to do any wood stuff. MMM... some heat in there would be nice.
Well that’s all for today. Don’t forget to enter the towel giveaway. Check out Andy’s blog she has a give-a-way too. Gotta go , I here the dryer calling me.

Towel Giveaway

2008-10-27T10:20:00.001-05:00

Thought I would give away a couple kitchen towels if anyone is interested. Just tell me a little about yourself in the comment section. I will pick on Saturday, Nov. 1st.

Going to help with yard work today. Kind of windy and cold. At least it's not snowing.

Give away towels

Have a great day.

Holiday Bootique

2008-10-26T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thursday I went to Tina's house and we got our crafty stuff out of the camper. Wow were our cars full!! We then met Andy for lunch in Amery. Went to Village Pizzaria for lunch (yum yum pizza and salad bar). From there we went to Bittersweet Farms. I had never been there before. From there we went to Andy's house and hung out for awhile before we went to set up for our holiday bootique. We got all set up in Amy's garage.

Our space. "The Shed" (Evan called it that.)

Friday and Saturday we spent hanging out at the sale. Tina picked me up at 6:30 am on Saturday to go to the "barn". It was "ten cent" day there. Everything is ten cents. What a bunch of crazy people. After that we went to the bootique. It wasn't too busy in the afternoon, so Tina and I went to Star Prairie and checked out The Starr Fish Boutique. It is a new little shop with shabby chic goods. Very cute and inexpensive. We picked up a couple of cute ideas there. When we got back the rest of the girls took the little ones trick or treating in Amery. We then packed up. At least now Tina and I have our own stuff. We were exhausted, but had a good time.

Tina with a customer.

Andy at her booth. Like her "rack"!!

I had fun hangin' out with the girls.

Have a great week. Happy crafting!

HaPpY TuEsDaY!?!?!

2008-10-21T18:31:00.000-05:00

Well have I been busy or what. I painted my computer/sewing room. It was a lite shade of green /stamped colorful dragon flys on it. It needed a good organizing anyway.

Not a very good picture, but you get the idea.

Now it is a lovely shade of autumn brown and a dark shade of beige (added some of the brown to country white paint I had). I added some wall decorations and a few treasures I have of my mother's to the walls.

Made some curtains out of sheets and some remnant yard goods from "the barn". I wanted to hide the shelves so I made a curtain for them also.

The dress and dress form was my mother's.

You can see her wearing it in the picture below.

I am the cute one standing in front of her. I was not quite five yet. She made all of our dresses.

Added the "Junk Chicks" picture and the room is complete.

Like the old paper cutter and hole puncher!!

Today I cleaned out my closet in the extra bedroom. Even color coordinated my clothes!! I also organized my closet in the kitchen. MMMM.... think I should find a job or something. I keep finding all these things to do. No telling what I will come up with tomorrow.

Have a good night.

Where did the week go???

2008-10-16T19:46:00.000-05:00

Can hardly believe it is Thursday already. I actually did get a lot done. I cleaned the entryway, leaves everywhere that get blown in. I worked in the garage and decided to paint the garage door on the inside. It is now a chocolate brown instead of dirty white. I'd like to get the walls painted in there too. Mmmmm it doesn't matter what color I paint as long as it is white. I was thinking maybe some wild color. I did do something cool in the entryway. As you can see in the pictures below I redecorated the walls.

I had the wagon wheel outside in the backyard.

(rescued from the farm)

Thought it would look better hanging on the wall!

Fork came out of the shed.

All these old pans came from my mother's shed.

The bird nest was found in the hay field by my brother.

The chair and bushel basket that the flowers are in came from the shed also.

Here are the crafty things I did yesterday.

The snowman is a light box.

I need to add something to the tree shutter but not sure what.

Anyone have any ideas (Tina).

That's all for now.

Everyone have a good weekend.

Weekend Pictures

2008-10-15T20:20:00.001-05:00

My neighbor Giselle sent me these photos. As you can see a good time was had by all.

Amaya dancing with her lion.

Me and my "Packer" rain poncho.

Ted, Dave(The Gorton's Fisherman!) and Brad in the background.

Me, Dave, Brad, and Jetta by the campfire.

Thanks Giselle for the pictures. It was a great time.

Oops, I forgot "What happens on this side of the creek, stays on this side of the creek!"

Tomorrow I will post pictures of what I made today. I was going to do yard work but it was too windy again to rake.

Goodnight all.

Takin it easy today.

2008-10-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

Kind of takin' it easy today. Made three more gingerbread boys today. They would be really cute as a family.

This one is in a corduroy bag and a tag that says "gingerbread blessings".

Made these shutters I saw on line. Used some scraps and whola.

Smells like Thanksgiving here today. I have a turkey breast cooking in the crockpot. Missing the squash though and am too lazy to go to the store. I was going to rake today, but not sure what to do with the leaves.

Can you believe it. I updated this two days in a row. Have a great rest of the week.

Crafted after all!

2008-10-13T18:15:00.000-05:00

I whipped up this little gingerbread man tonight. I got the material with another project. Another cheap find. This dark brown and also a lighter color for $2 at a junk store.

The bowl he is in I got at the "barn" for a quarter. Painted it and added a star.

End of a great summer!

2008-10-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

Well on Sunday we had to winterize the trailer. BUMMER!!!!! Amaya spent the weekend with us. She had so much fun. Friday night she slept upstairs in the "waterbed". I was laying with her and we were telling stories and she said to me "Gramma, you can go to bed now. I need my privacy!" Out of the mouths of babes.

Helping Grampa!

Saturday Amaya helped Grampa shovel some dirt. We cleaned up behind our trailer to make our lot have more usable space. We ordered a load of black dirt. The neighbor Brad brought up his tractor with the bucket on it to spread it around. We still need some more and will need to seed it. Sure looks nice. Now all we need is a swingset back there. Looks like a little park. There was an end of the year pot luck in the afternoon. Amaya ate two plates. I guess she was hungry. We then went back and had a fire at the neighbors. That went well into the evening. You know time to empty the fridge. Plus a few "jello shots" later. Amaya roasted marshmallows and dance to the music.

Amaya with a marshmallow face and dancing.

Today it was laundry day. I'm talking about six loads of campfire smellin' clothes. Raining out anyway so I can't do outside work. Having crafting withdrawls. Gotta go have supper on the stove. Spagetti.

Dreary Tuesday

2008-10-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

It is raining today which really makes it hard to get motivated. Cranberry Fest went well. The weather was perfect. A little cold in the early morning though. Tina’s friend Holly came with and help us out. Sure was nice to have an extra person. My friend JoJo helped pack up while I loaded the trailer. Didn’t get any pictures, oops.

Here is our picture from Barronett Fall Colorfest. We made that paper and the Rice Lake Chronotype. I guess you could say we are celebrities now. I some homespun for the background (garage sale find) and framed it. Made a great background an my computer!

Now I am trying to get some Christmas ideas. My brain is kind of on the blank today. Just don’t know where to start. I have all my crafting places cleaned up and organized now which will make it easier. I just have to get motivated. Kinda hard too when Ted is on vacation. He's snoozin' in the chair now.

That's all for today. Think I'll take a nap or something.

Two more days!!

2008-10-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's only two days until Cranberry Fest. I have to get packing. Yes another vacation. Have nothing ready for that. I think I am done making things. I have really got to get some organization done around here. All that crafting and no cleaning .

Here are the table runners I made today. There are two more but I couldn't get a very good picture with my phone. Sure do need a digital camera. (It will be my merry birthday soon. Ill have to add that to the list.)

Crow on a springcrow and stargathering room and blessings

Well good night. I have been up since 4am. Don't ask me why I just was.

Tired out and it's only Tuesday!!!

2008-09-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I made some barbed wire wreaths. I love this one so much I had to keep it. Friday night we got to the campground about 6pm. Ended up selling $150 worth of stuff I made out of the trunk of the car!! (Should try that more often.)

Sunday was a long day. Tina & I had our craft tent set up at Heritage Days in New Richmond. Andy was inside doing her stamp demo's. Amanda, what a great help you were. "The Wagon Girl" hauled and hauled and hauled stuff for us. Sure was glad you were there.

Aprons

Monday I got up at my usual 5am. Don't know why. Made six kids aprons by 11am. I got the material at "the barn". Where else. Washed it up first. Went to find fabric at Walmart and they discontinued there fabric section. So I got a twin flat sheet for the back. Then I started making fire starters. Thanks to Greg for the wood shavings. I finished them up this morning, 120 in all. I bagged them up in my cute bags I got. Stamped a campfire on the bag first.

Awhile ago I had gotten all these old electric insulators(barn). I took some edging(barn) made holders, rusted them, added some dodads and whola I had candle holders. Finished them this morning too.

The girls suggested I make table runners so I puttsed around with that too. I think I am done being creative for one day. I really need to get my kitchen in order. It kind of lookes like a craft lab.

Table runner, candle holders and fire starters.

Now I need to think of some projects for tommorrow when I wake up at 5am.

I'm Back !!!

2008-09-25T05:34:00.001-05:00

I have been home all week just haven't taken the time to do my blog. Monday I worked on some horse related stuff. There is a big horse ride at the campground this Saturday. The owner said I could set up a table there if I wanted. So therfore I needed to get somethings done for that.

Tuesday I wen to Maplewood with Andy. She had a Dr. appt. and then we did some shopping. Had lunch at Chipotle. When I got home of course I had to get crafting again. Had a request for a moose that I had made from a camper at the campground so I got that cut out and painted. This is what it looks like.

Wednesday I dipped my star and heart bowl fillers to grunge them up a bit.I started that at like 6 in the morning. I also worked on a sign that a camper wants. Not done with that yet. Also made some rusty look stars and hearts.

Here are my bags of bowl fillers.

I got to thinking (that sounds like trouble). I need something to put my pens, stickers, nails, hammer, etc. in for when we go to our craft shows. I was using a zip-loc bag. How creative is that. Well, I had found this lunch pail at Gramma's Attic when we went to Little Falls a couple weeks ago. So here it is!! I thought it would make a cut purse. MMM, I do have a black one in my stash of stuff in the basement. Oh, I also have this cute little tackle box. Ideas are flying now.

How cute is this!!

Today I have to finish the moose and sign. Not sure what else the day will bring.

Have a great day. Oh by the way Tina, I got cookies from the bake sale!!!

Busy Monday

2008-09-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

Actually it is Tuesday morning when I am writing this. We came home on Sunday early morning.

Andrea and the boys came over for awhile. I was making molasses stars and hearts when they came. Little cookies everywhere. Evan asked for a piece of paper and proceeded to write an invitation to the "Bake Sale". They had seen it on Arthur. Andrea went to " The Barn" and found some goodies.

On Monday I had to get some crafting done before going back up north today. In the mean time Ted went car shopping. So later I had to go with him to sign the papers. He traded his truch for a 2007 Chrysler Sebring. Sharp little red car.

Here are a couple pictures of things that I made. Found the patterns on line.

Stick Horse

Witch Owl and Moon door hanger

Well gotta go. Need to get ready to go back to our second home. Can't wait until Saturday when Tina and I are doing Barronett Colorfest Craft Sale. Then come Monday it will be craft, craft, craft to get ready for the 28th sale in New Richmond and Cranberry Fest on October 4th.

It's been awhile

2008-09-08T21:38:00.000-05:00

Well I guess I should update this once in awhile. Have been busy crafting and such.

The next couple of weeks Ted is on vacation so won't get too much done then. Yesterday we had to go to Little Falls, MN. Ted's uncle passed away. We stopped at a couple cool places (can you believe Ted actually stopped!!!!!). One place was called Grandma's Attic full of old stuff mostly household but reasonably priced. Got a few goodies there. Will take pictures of finished products later. The next place we stopped at was this old barn "FULL" of GOOD JUNK. I got a roll of rusty barbed wire, some old hay rake forks, wooded spoons, a grater, and some cool metal cowboy boot things. When we got to our destination here we found the streets full of white tents. Little Falls Annual Craft Fair. Wow is all I can say. There had to be at least 700 or more crafters. We watched them pack up their wares in huge campers and motor homes. Not anything like the "green junk chick camper". One of these days I will get a digital camera and high speed Internet so I can add some pictures and such.

Way to go Packer's. 1-0
Viking's 0-1 woohoo!!
Have a great week. Heading north in the morning. 25 days til Cranberry Fest. Gonna have to cram now.

A Day for Remembering!!

2008-08-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday

Today would have been my granddaughter Mackenzie's "16th" birthday. What a beautiful thing. Her story can be found on Tina's blog page. We all miss her very much.

I also got news that my dear friend had ended her battle with cancer. She passed away this morning. Dianna we will miss you!!

I am thinking alot about my mom and dad today too as I am going through things that I brought home from their house. Miss you guys alot.

I am so privileged to be blessed with such a wonderful family. Love you all very much.

Monday Mania!!

2008-07-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

Today was Evan and Jabins 5th birthday. I went to the party for their friends. Wow!!

The weekend was great. We brought my nephew Sam to the trailer with us. Went fishing , swimming, had a campfire, you know all the fun camping things. On Sunday we went to the "Big 5" party for Evan, Jabin, and Amaya. What a great day. My whole family was able to make it which made it really special. My sister from Waukesha even could come this time. Tons of food, fun, and of course PRESENTS!!!

I made this bag from the scraps I got at the GS on Thursday.

Have a great week.

Trifty Thursday!!

2008-07-24T10:49:00.000-05:00

Here are my finds for the day. The pile of homespun was $1(don't worry Tina I'll share). The lady had one window(the one on the right) when I went to pay she said "Oh, I have another in the basement would you like that too?" No brainer there. That one she had just gotten a pane repaired and the bill on it was $14. I got them for $3. Not sure what will become of them yet, but I will think of something. I think the pail will look nice in the rocks behind the house with all the other treasures. Later today Tina and I are going on a mission to check out an idea we have. Keep you posted on that. Thanks Tina you got me hooked on here now!!

Have a great day!!

Take a break Tuesday

2008-07-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

I took a little break from the everyday ho hum stuff. There is a saying at the campground we have so I made a sign. I miss being there. I had the old board from an old shed that I ripped some boards of off. My motto is "free wood is good wood".

Have a great day.

just a little something i whipped up this morning

2008-07-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

I made these cute little cup and saucer planters. One of the gals at the campground wanted some hens and chicks so I thought what a better way to give them to her. I found the cups and saucers at the local flea market barn for Cheap!! (like 25 cents a piece.)

I better get something else done today. You know laundry and such. Then it's off to the garage to play with the power tools.

Tina will be proud I figured this one out!!

Recuperating after Christmas in July!!

2008-07-20T19:24:00.001-05:00

Well, what a weekend we had. We had Christmas in July. Got to the trailer on Friday afternoon and got our decorations up. Ted with his Santa hat and I with my reindeer ears proceeded to spread some Christmas cheer. We ended up going to Stone Lake to the Pub dressed like that. We sure did have some laughs from all our friends their. We then went out to our old campground and spread some Christmas "CHEER" there.

Saturday we had some good friends come over (Linda & Ken, Herm & Sandy) we went to Mr. Bob's in Rice Lake to have one of their awesome bloody mary's. Then back to the campground for the Christmas Party. What a blast. Laughed so hard our sides hurt. Oh yeah, I did way too much dancing. It was the best and we didn't even plan on having any company.

I added a picture of Santa and me. Doesn't look like we were having any fun.

I think I will do some crafting this week. I am kind of in that mood. Must take after Tina.

What a great day

2008-07-17T13:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the twins Evan and Jabin came to visit Gramma and Grampa. We went to the park in the afternoon. It was really hot (930) and humid so we didn't stay very long. When we got back the boys went in the sprinkler in the back yard. They had fun. Grampa even ran through it!

Today I went to Andy's house. Tina and Amaya were there too. We had some lunch. I think those two need to go to "blogger's anonymous"!! That all we did. It was fun anyway.

Back up north for the weekend, it's Christmas in July so I have to decorate our campsite.

Have a great day.

What a weekend!

2008-07-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

Well we sure did have a crew over the weekend! The little ones had such a good time. The fireworks were awesome!! We had alot of good food, good family fun and some great weather. This Gramma was tired.

Update

2008-06-26T20:51:00.000-05:00

Well here I am trying to figure this whole thing out. I have been doing some crafty stuff. Also getting thing set up in the new campground. Taking care of Ted after his knee surgery.

My FiRsT BloG

2008-05-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks Tina -for setting this up this
Blog - while I am at work slaving away! he he! Just kidding... This is Tina, setting up mom's Blog Page, while she slaves away at her job. {One more day Mom! :0) } Enjoy your weekend everyone, and hopefully My mom AKA Kathy & Gramma, will have figured out all the little things you can do with this page! P.s Feel Free to visit her favorite links, and view Me & Andy's pages. Tina