A Little Thank You Gift

Here's another JCasa design - the List Taker. I wanted to make a little thank you gift for a friend who is in the beginning stages of launching her own business. I thought this might be a nice idea for her. I like it anyway.

Crayon Wallet for on the Go!

This is inspired by JCasa's pattern, but since her Etsy shop was closed I couldn't purchase her pattern on time for a birthday present. I'm pretty sure this one is a bit bigger due to the use of jumbo sized crayons, but it is pretty close to the same. I hope I haven't broken any blogging rules by doing this. If you want to make one... get her pattern from here... her shop is open again.

EDITED TO ADD: Evelyn has been making her own version of these for years and you can see more of her creativity here.

A Yummy Winning!

I'd like to send out a big thank you to my friend, Patty~Jean, who recently held a giveaway on her blog From Home. Patty~Jean has joined the healthy chocolate business and I was the blessed recipient of her latest giveaway... a yummy winning, indeed! (We bit into our prize way to quickly for me to take pictures of the whole package, but here's what the yummy nuggets looked like)

As part of her giveaway, I also received these cute zipper pouches from Miss Mouse.

As you can see Abby has claimed the larger one as a hat!

Thanks ladies, for the great treats!

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

I am so proud to be celebrating my 6th anniversary today! My David has been the most amazing blessing that God has given to me. This summer we've had the rare privilege of spending the whole time together. David and a his whole department of salesmen across Canada was laid off in May. God has seen fit to have him at home, he hasn't found employment as of yet. Though it's had it's moments of stress, we are trusting in God's provision and choosing to be grateful for this time we get to spend together as a family.

With some of the intense heat of summer days, I haven't coped all that well. David has really stepped up and taken care of me and our household. He tells me to sit in front of the air conditioner while he cooks (careful to choose dishes that won't heat the house too much), does dishes and serves me. He brings me a cold bag for my neck and changes it with another when it is no longer cold. He rotates the bedroom fans to try and move the heat out and bring cool air in. He bathes our Abby and takes her to the park when it's not too hot. He gives me creative time on cooler days and doesn't complain when the mess of my creations spill over the entire dining room. David even recently shampooed the carpets in our apartment - a project that I've been wanting done and now it is!

Last week after an extremely hot day, we were treated to a late night thunder storm. David and I turned off all the lights and lay on the floor in front of our living room window and watched the storm together and talked for three and half hours. It was a special time that I will cherish for as long as I remember it!

Even better than all of these things, David spends the first part of his morning reading his Bible and praying and the last part of our day doing the same with me. He is continually praying for strength to grow and change and improve and he fights hard for our marriage. He is encouraging to me when I feel like a failure as a wife and a mother. He helps me to walk in truth and not to rely on my feelings. He plays hard with Abigail and works hard with me to shape her character into what we hope will be of benefit to her and others. Though he faces persecution, David stands tall and strong in what he believes in. He is compassionate, often laying aside what he wants to do in order to minister to other's needs. In preparation for our anniversary, David initiated a couples assessment for us to go through together. This helps us to see how far we've come and where we can work together to improve our marriage.

I know that I have my diamond in the rough and he is far more precious than I ever imagined! David, I am so proud to be your wife and to be raising a family with you. I am looking forward to the next many many years together, by the grace of God. I imagine what we will be like or where we will be as an old married couple. I look forward to the joys and the trials that make us stronger. Thank you for what you've already invested into me and our marriage and our family. My prayer is that we will only grow closer to God and to each other in the years to come. I love you, my friend, my lover, my delight! Happy Anniversary, Baby!

And Another Project!

I know, I know! I can hardly believe it myself, but I have another project to show you. It's been a great couple of creative days! This little lovely clutch is made using this tutorial... and I LOVE it!

It's kinda hard to see, but the inside has a card slot and a pocket divider... cute and functional!

A Commissioned Project

The same little man who is celebrating his first birthday, needed a shirt to advertise his big day. His Mama asked for a picture of young Carl from Disney's UP with Liam's picture inserted. This is what I came up with... hope they like it!

David pulled a still shot for me from the movie and I scanned in a picture of Liam, then I cropped out his head and layered it on, with a bit of resizing. Then I used a clip art balloon, changed the color to blue and added a headline. I love Print Shop!

Happy Birthday, Liam!

It Feels Sew Good...

... to be sewing again! My lack of energy during pregnancy has limited my time and the need for a nap has also limited time alone. With David being home, he's freed me up to have some creative time and I'm very thankful. So, without further ado... here's a seriously belated (as in 4 months belated) birthday present finally finished.

This is another Thelma's Day Out purse. Designed by Janelle Wind.

I included an inside zipper pocket and the buckle I found at a thrift store on a belt.

My photography doesn't really do the colors justice, but you get the general idea anyway.