Sewing Ideas

So, in my organizing, I came across these Dear Jane blocks that my mother had made. (There's actually two more that aren't in this picture.)

There was also this block. It has just a smidge of appliqué that needs to be finished up. 2 petals need to be sewn down.
So, I was thinking.... what about a wall hanging? This is my sort of temporary arrangement.
The other two blocks (to the left in this picture) could be used as a label or something similar.

I also need to finish a wall hanging I started for my daddy LAST year. Since he's coming to visit me, I sure would like to have it finished before then.

Okay, I'm signing off now, so that I can go do the thing I like to do. And that's SEW!

Hugs,
Melinda

My Sewing Area

Okay, so you may or may not know that we've moved about 3 times since leaving base housing last August. So I went from a sewing room to a sewing area. Plus I've been battling major depression/hormonal issues that kept me from even unpacking some of my boxes.

This is my set of "before" pictures.

Help. I can't find anything. I feel swallowed alive by junk.

You mean, I have to clean my sewing machine off everytime I sew?

Not to mention everything is spread out all everywhere.


So, what made things change? I'm not exactly sure. It may have been the recent Oprah episode on hoarders, and all the conversation around it. Or it may be that I've been getting better with my hormones and depression. It might be that I've been cleaning up other areas of our apartment.

But I'm going to credit my SIL Marie calling me. She asked me to bring my sewing machine when we come for Christmas. I decided that I needed to be able to FIND my machine in order to take it.

Plus, I decided that I feel better when I am sewing. I feel better when I am part of a guild. So, I decided that the rest of the apartment can wait. My sewing area and ME come now.

The "after" shots.

Look! I have a sewing machine! And a table! :D

My completely clean and organized sewing area.

A better look at my fabric stash, and the containers holding my supplies

The big clear jar holds all of my buttons and the two packages of beads. I have a homemade ribbon holder. And the container next to the clear jar holds all 4 of my rotary cutters, all of my scissors, and the knitting needles I use as stilettos.

Here's a few drawers in my supply cart. This one has rotary blades.

Machine needles, measuring tapes, parts for my sewing machine (ie, the feet), and my smaller rulers and supplies for paper piecing.

Oh, here's where those drawers are. LOL I thought this picture was before the last two.

This is where I store my batting, and my projects I'm working on. (Current UFOs, not the ones that are still hiding.)


Well, that's it. That's the tour of my sewing area. :D I'm already so much happier. And I already have some plans for sewing. :)

Hugs,
Melinda

Snow Day

This is what greeted me when I woke up this morning.

Aren't they cute? :)

Oh, the outside was pretty too. LOL

But this was just awesome! I had no idea there was deer outside the complex.

Happy snow day everyone!
Hugs,
Melinda

Okay..... Happy Dance

So, would you rather have a happy dance instead of bah humbug? (It's one of the only times I'm skinnier than Dale. ROFLOL)

Merry Christmas. :D

Hugs,
Melinda

Bah Humbug

Bah Humbug....

By the way, if you've never read "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, you really should. It's not very long, and it is packed full with meaning.

Hugs,
Melinda

Works for Me Wednesday

Update: Yeah! I got the pictures loaded! :D

Well, apparently, I'm not going to be able to upload pictures yet. I'll try again later today.

My tip is on organizing your gift wrap. I have been so excited to share this with all of you.You know all of those camp chairs that have gotten so popular? You can get them at Wal-Mart. They come with their own carrying bag and in a wide variety of colors.

I never can seem to get the chair back into the bag. So I would have these chairs, and then a stack of bags. It hit me one day... those bags are PERFECT for storing long rolls of gift wrapping paper.
This picture shows how I have about 5 rolls of paper in one bag.
And the next picture shows another tip. Notice that there appears to be something wrapped around the big long tube of Candy Cane wrapping paper. When you are through with one roll of paper, don't through away the tube that it was rolled around. If it's a big thick tube, cut a slit down the length of it, and you can put it around another roll. It's better than a rubber band or tape. (You can do the same thing if it's just a thin paper tube, but it doesn't work as well.)
One last bonus tip: This is winter, the season of extremely dry skin. May I recommend Gold Bond Ultimate Healing? This stuff is fantastic, and it really works.

Well, that's it for now. Wrapping paper storage. It Works For Me.

Hugs,
Melinda

Bravo for Mike Huckabee

I'm not really good with politics. But this is a "must see." I hope that if I'm ever asked this question, I can defend my faith just as well.

Michael W. Smith and Sugar Cookies

So, do you remember awhile back that I posted about getting a free Michael W. Smith CD? I got the CD, and finally got around to listening to it while doing something "Christmasy." (We had already put our tree up, so that was out of the question.) My friend and her 2 kids came over, and we decorated sugar cookies.

The CD was not what I was expecting. I'm not sure what I was expecting, though. I guess I haven't really listened to Michael's newer stuff. I guess I wasn't really expecting the grand music in the tradition of Handel's Messiah, but more folksy music.

I mean, I forgot he played the piano! I'm sitting there, listening, waiting, thinking... where's the singing? And it dawned on me, OH YEAH! Michael W. Smith plays the piano and there's piano music, so that must be him playing. *duh* Not one of my brightest moments.

Well, at least the sugar cookies were yummy. :p Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures. But it was fun to spend time with my friend and to get to know her just that much better.

As for the CD, this might not have been what I was supposed to do, but since it was free to me, I wrapped it up as a present for the family we adopted at church. Now someone else can enjoy it, as well.

Hugs,
Melinda

Works For Me Wednesday

So, today's version of Works For Me Wednesday is to answer this question.....

It's 5:15 pm, the kids are hungry, you have a headache, hubby is almost home, and the pantry has three things in it. What is your BEST last-minute meal recipe?

Make white gravy, add a package or two of those cheap packages of thinly sliced beef lunch meat, put over toast. :p Yummy.

WHAT??? You don't know how to make gravy??? That's okay, I didn't either. So, here's the recipe plus my tips.

First, pour one cup of milk and put it in the freezer. Don't worry, it won't be there long, but you want it cold cold cold.

Next, melt 2 tablespoons on butter (or margarine, or whatever) in a saucepan. (I use high heat, but I move fast.)

When your butter is melted, and bubbling, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Notice I said WHISK. If you don't have a whisk, get one. You will thank me for lump free gravy. :D

So, the flour is whisked into the butter, and you are letting it sort of bubble together. Grab the milk out of the freezer. Now the tricky part is pouring in the milk while whisking the butter mixture. Don't just "dump" the milk in, but if you are cooking on high heat (which I do) don't go slow, either.

Then... whisk it and whisk it and whisk again until the gravy is as thick as you like. Keep in mind that it will get thicker as it cools, too.

When the gravy is done, tear the lunch meat into bite size pieces and add it to the gravy until it's warmed up. This is so yummy over toast.

Oh... you need a quick dessert too. Do you have a package of chocolate chips and a can of icing? I'll wait while you check......

Okay, take the package of chips and melt them over low to medium heat. When it's all melted, add the can of icing. When they are all melted together and smooth and you know... together, pour the mixture into a pan. Put in the fridge for a half hour or so until set. Easy Peasy 2 step Fudge!

And no, it doesn't matter what flavor chips, or icing. An 8x8 pan is a good size, but 9x9 seems to be too big. (Pan prep is up to you. I line with foil, and may or may not spray with cooking spray. I have a friend who uses parchment paper.)

That's what works for me! Happy Holidays!

Hugs,
Melinda

Childlike Wonder -- reposted

I hope you don't mind, but I thought I would repost something from 2005. I thought it was important, since I have been a little caught up in "things" this year. Happy holidays.
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Childlike Wonder

My youngest slept from 5:30 this afternoon until 9:00. In that time, the oldest and I managed to set up our Christmas tree. It's a pre-lit tree, so we didn't have to worry about the lights. The pure joy and wonder on the baby's face when she saw the Christmas tree was just amazing. I wish I could have captured it on film. And it also makes me stop and think about what Christmas is all about. When I get nervous around all the holiday shopping crowds, and I'm overwhelmed with parties to attend, I'm going to try to stop and remember that precious little smile on her face. And hopefully, I'll remember what the true meaning of Christmas is.

Hugs,
Melinda

Holiday Decorations

Welcome to my home. I love the holidays, and for some reason, I got in the mood to decorate really early.

This picture is of a raffle quilt that I won while in the Pieceful Heart Quilters Guild of Augusta, GA. Isn't it lovely? I'm so thankful that I had the chance to be part of such a fun group, and to learn so much. And I'm really thankful that I now have a place to display such lovely work.

Next on the list, the fireplace. What's a family with 2 adorable girls to do when you don't have a fireplace for Santa to come down? Why, you make your own, of course.

Seriously though... one year, we were in an apartment even smaller than our current one. It was a 3rd floor walkup and it was our first Christmas away from family. We were just barely making ends meet, and had NO room. So we got a 2 foot tree, and some foam sheets, and made our fireplace. It has been displayed every Christmas since. :)

This is my little Christmas village. See the poinsettias to the right? If you look to the left in the picture of the quilt, you'll see them there as well. I don't have a fancy curtain or drapes over my sliding glass door. I use flower garlands that I change throughout the seasons.

And here's my collection of dancing and singing Christmas figures. :D They make me smile. :D And they are within perfect reach of Little Bit.

Sweet Pea has dubbed this the "kitchen cafe window." Do you notice the irony in it? The Halloween candy bucket sitting underneath the Thanksgiving corn decoration surrounded by Christmas garland. To me, that's just ironic beyond all get out.

Last but not least, our Christmas tree. What do I say about the Christmas tree? Do I point out how lopsided our decorations are? Or how they seem to be creeping higher and higher out of Little Bit's reach?Or do I tell you about how both girls will stand beside the tree and sing "O Christmas Tree" in their sweet angelic voices?
Maybe I should point out Mrs. Claus who has been in my family for as long as I can remember.
And her husband, Mr. Claus, hanging right beside her. (Technically, he's behind her because they wouldn't hang right on the tree.)
And there's the elf. Who has also been in the family for years.

Christmas means so much to me. It's filled with traditions and family. I hope that each and everyone of you can find that meaning in your life. And if you don't already know him, ask me about Jesus. After all, he truly is "the reason for the season."

Happy Holidays.
Hugs,
Melinda

Would you look at this?

According to Rebecca, I rock! I'm a bit embarrassed that I didn't see this until tonight, but I'm also very honored. So, here is the button....


If you click on the button, it should take you to Roberta's first post, that started it all. (She has since changed to this site.)

Now for nominations....
Amber.... I love you. You most definitely deserve this award. You rock more than anyone I know.
AllyJo.... You too. We're learning more about each other as adults. I never did tell you thank you for trying to teach me to ride a bike. :D
Laurie.... I've had such a blast. Surely you need a pretty button. See how bright it is? ;)
And Babs.... You get a button just for being a really cool grandma and telling me all about your kids and how you spend every weekend traveling to all the games and concerts.

Here's to all us Rockin' Girl Bloggers!

Hugs,
Melinda

A tag for 4

Giz tagged me a couple of weeks ago. I keep forgetting so I'll do it now. :D

4 Jobs I've had: Paraprofessional, Temp worker as a receptionist/ accounts payable/ filing person/ jack of all trades secretary manager, Student worker, and the best job..... Mommy. :D

4 Films I could watch over and over: With a large collection, I have a hard time deciding on just 4.

4 TV Shows I watch: Iron Chef America, House, Stargate SG-1, Everyday Italian (Honestly, though, I watch Food Network constantly.)

4 Places I've Lived: Augusta, GA; Haughton, LA; Raytown, MO; Searcy, AR (I've only lived one other place, and that's our current place. Independence, MO)

4 Favorite Foods: Chipped beef gravy on toast, potato soup, Maggie Moo's fudge ice cream, chocolate

4 Favorite Colors: Blue, pink, purple, and the color of the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen but can't say if it was pink or orange or what.

4 Places I would like to be right now: Snuggled in bed, In Colorado in a cabin, In my sewing room (preferably in my own house), and in New York watching Phantom of the Opera

4 Names I love, but could not use on my children: Mildred, Justin, Duncan, and Dorothy

4 People I would love to tag: Any 4 people who read my blog and would like to do this. If you do, please come back and let me know so I can see your responses. AllyJo, Sandi, Amber, and ... Rose? Do you want to play?

Now see.... if I was a great blogger, I would take the time to link to everything I've mentioned. And maybe I'll come back and do that someday. But not today.

Hugs,
Melinda

I have a Tween

I have a tween (ie between teenager and child). She's not even really a pre teen either. She's a sweet girl who loves fairies, a popular teen singing star who has a double life, and as of tonight... another girls singing group that walks around in animal prints. *sigh*

She is a beautiful beautiful girl who simply loves life. She loves her little sister, she is a big help when her Daddy has to work, she loves singing and dancing, and is just an overall joy to be around.

This joy does not come without a price, though. Being a "tween" means she is also going through those wonderful "hormone" changes. We haven't gotten to THAT time yet, but I know we're getting closer.

So.... HELP?? What do I do? How do I deal with THAT time when we get to that time? Okay... breathing now. If anyone has advice, I would love it.

Hugs,
Melinda

What Works for Me

Okay, so you may know this already, but for me... it's a lifesaver.

When you go to a doctor's office with a little one, take some crayons. Let them draw on the paper on the exam table. It keeps them occupied, and keeps you from going insane. ;)

For more tips, go to Rocks in My Dryer. That's what works for me.

Hugs,
Melinda

Oh THIS will be fun!

First off, hat tip to Shannon.

There is a chance to get a free copy of Michael W. Smith's Christmas CD . As someone who has loved music forever, and has been a fan of Michael W Smith's from the days of Rocketown, this is exciting. Now, time to see if I can add the button. I've done it before, but it always seems to be such an effort. ;)

Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Thanksgiving. I LOVE this season.

Hugs,
Melinda

Computer troubles

I've been having lots of problems with Internet Explorer lately. I am going to try to uninstall it and then reinstall it. (I hope this works.)

Hugs,
Melinda

I did it.

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My church had it's annual talent show last night. It's lovingly called "the Hoedown." I haven't sung in front of people in 13 years. But last night, I did.
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Can you tell I'm shaking like a leaf? I was so very nervous. (I shook most of the afternoon.) Anyway, I sang Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom of the Opera. I don't know about other people, but I could tell my voice was shaking too.
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I also remembered why I don't have that many pictures of myself. It's because I'm the one who has the camera, and I don't like other people's work. LOL :D

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I do have to mention Little Bit here. One of the reasons there are only two pictures is because Dale was trying to get ahold of her. She kept coming closer to the stage, and she was dancing (read swaying back and forth) and singing (without words). It's really hard to be serious and sing about someone who's dead when your 2 year old is making you laugh.

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Regardless, I came through it okay. And now I have a whole year to get ready for the next one. I'm hoping that I can get Dale and the girls to join me though. ;)

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Hugs,

Melinda

Christmas Giveaway

Hey all. 5 Minutes For Mom is hosting a Christmas Giveaway this month. There's going to be lots of cool prizes, so why don't ya click the button over there in my sidebar --------> and enter for yourself. I will admit though, that these two twin mothers are still dealing with smaller children, but it's still a great site.

Hugs,
Melinda

Family pictures

These are pictures of some of the females in my family. It shows how we all look alike. Make sure you check out my cousin's blog to see more family resemblance. The first is my grandmother. The next is my mother. The last is me when I was in high school.

Aren't Momma and Grandma just absolutely beautiful? I love them and miss them so much. I'm glad I look like them.

Hugs, Melinda

Free Rice

This is a cool site. At 500 grains of rice, my level is 39. I think that just means I'm a good guesser. LOL

Hugs,
Melinda

St. Louis Zoo

We had the wonderful opportunity to visit the St. Louis Zoo this past week. It was a perfect day. It was about 65 degrees: not too hot, not too cold. We saw a lot of animals that normally are asleep in the heat of summer. These are just 10 of the 101 pictures I took.

Mother Lioness.

Zebra. One of the only animals Little Bit can say clearly.

Sleeping Jaguar.

I can hear this camel saying, "What are you looking at? I know I'm not as ugly as you are."

This momma orangutan was .... HUGE!

One word for the penguin habitat..... COOL! They had you really up close and personal with the penguins.

And the butterfly habitat was also really awesome as well. There was a waterfall, and it was really quiet, and very peaceful. These butterflies were all over and just beautiful. These shots were made with my macro lens and about 18 inches away from them. It was awesome.


This is NOT a zoom on this giraffe. This is how close we were to it. The kids were holding out leaves, and the giraffe was reaching over the rocks and the fence, and grabbing them.

Isn't this cute? I guess it was naptime. :)

I hope you enjoyed a small tour of the St. Louis Zoo. :) If you ever get a chance, you should go.

Hugs,
Melinda