30 Days Later...

...and September has turned out to be one of the best months I've ever experienced. We went without television and eating out and what we got in return was far greater than anything we had expected.

We were blessed with some amazing family time and we were never at a loss for something to talk about. I realized how funny my kids had become and how many little jokes they had between each other. We laughed so much more this month than we had in a long time and it was good medicine.

Family time is so precious and we came to the realization of how much we waste when we have the television on. Our productivity sky rocketed and we were able to accomplish so many things we had put off and also some new and exciting things we had never tried before.

The kitchen table once again became the hub of activity and conversation.

(We got to enjoy more Mama visit too. "WE LOVE YOU MAMA!!")

All our meals were home cooked and eaten together. We lingered there longer laughing and joking and telling stories. We all participated in several game nights, and we even picked up some new games at the Thrift shop for a fraction of the cost of a retail store. School started there this month as well. I have to say that this was the best way to start out the year. Less distractions and more focus on the task at hand.

I also had made a commitment to Blog over these 30 days and that also turned out to be an amazing experience. Thank you all for your wonderful comments. They were always great encouragement along the way and I truly hope that I continue to hear from you all more. I discovered that there are so many amazing women out there that I can learn new things from.

I learned to make great bread, hot dog buns, pretzels, new craft inspirations and, of course, some amazing decorating ideas. All of this came from you wonderful ladies out there blogging your little hearts out. Thank You!

I also celebrated my 1 Year Etsy Anniversary with a GIVEAWAY that turned out great. And today I can celebrate my 100th SALE on Etsy! Be sure to come back for another GIVEAWAY...but give me a day or two to think about it because I was so surprised to have reached it today and I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet!

I'm the most thankful for God's blessing through this time. He is so good to us and he so often is just waiting for us to put some of the distractions aside and spend more time with him. We prayed more as a family over these 30 days and we had so many more conversations with him as the center.

Thank you all for coming along on the journey and I'm so excited about what is yet to come.

Sisters

This is one of my favorite pictures of the girls. We were waiting on the side of the road for the Memorial Day Parade, and there they were doing their sister thing. Deep in conversation about something, I don't know what. It still amazes me how two completely different personalities can come out of the same mother.

Compelled to SHOUT!

I woke up early Saturday morning, with a feeling of urgency. A patriotic stirring if you will, inspired by my own complacency. Politics was always something I shied away from in the past, because I know it can create an amazing amount of discontent between people. I've seen it and experienced it enough that I avoided it like the plague. However, the last election changed so much for me. I feel as though if I don't truly take a stand for the freedoms I have, they will be lost forever. They will be lost and I won't be able to blame anyone but myself because I sat back and did nothing, said nothing, let the pen be idle, and inspired no one else to do anything.

Last night was such a moment of awakening to the true spirit of our country. My nephew plays the tuba in his High School marching band, and my brother had told us that Friday night was going to be his last home game to play as a Senior. There wasn't a hesitation to stand with him in one of his final moments that he will remember for years to come. We gathered up the kids and my mom and headed out to the game. It called for some rain but we were going to brave it and "make memories" together with my brother and his family.

There were so many people. It was crazy, but good crazy cause it's a football game and that's what you expect. Teenagers everywhere, and it was a task getting through the crowd. My mother had her scooter, and we decided to hang out down by the end zone next to the stands. It was just easier to stay out of the way in such a large group of people. This is the largest High School in the area, and when you drive by the school it looks like a college campus. It looked like most of the student body and then some were attending this game.

The band came out in all their splendor-- drums drumming and horns blazing. I'm not just saying this because my nephew is playing, but they have an impressive presence about them. The prelude to the game was about to begin and The National Anthem was announced and we were all asked to stand.


Why is this not understood among people? Here is a moment to stand and be still! Here is a moment to respect what gave you the right to be here in the first place. It's not about that piece of fabric flying around. It's about the men and women who fought for your freedom. It's the liberty that it's stands for. It's a moment, a short moment that calls for unity among its people to be still and stand.

We've been to more sporting events than I can count in the last year, and I'm always amazed at what happens. So few stand and be still. So few put their hand on their heart. So few even are quiet.

Our children will do what they are taught. They will respect what they are shown as worthy of respect. But I tell you, of the hundreds of teenagers that stood before me in that crowd, I didn't see any stop. And the sad thing was how many adults didn't stop either.

My kids know, you stop whatever you're doing and put your hand on your heart and you face that flag and you be quiet unless you are singing along. It's as simple as that. The reason is because of the man that stands with them. My husband is a Marine Corps Veteran and if we didn't, we would be disrespecting his service, my grandfather's, their uncle's and everyone that stood with them at home and on foreign soil.

A few weeks ago we were at the Blueberry Festival, and we were walking to get seats for the fireworks. Daryn and Wesley had gone to get our chairs from the mimivan, so it was just me and the girls for a moment. There were tons of people, and it was crowded. But, clear as day, you could hear them announce The National Anthem. We stopped and I heard something behind me that I will never forget.

There was a father and his young son that I never saw their faces, but I could hear them as if they were talking to me. "You stand still, boy." the father said. "Put your hand on your heart and don't move a muscle." Again in a crowd that only about a tenth took the time to stop shopping and eating and walking and talking, we probably looked a little odd standing still, with our hands on our hearts. But that doesn't matter does it? When I heard that father behind me, it stirred a confidence that we are not alone. There is hope!

Things are moving fast in this country, and we don't have time to continue being complacent patriots, parents, Christians, friends, husbands and wives. Because if we do, our children will be lost. If they don't know how to stop and stand in recognition, how will they know how to fight for freedom?


Now, if you are like us, you will be at more sporting events with your kids than you can count this school year. They play the national anthem at all of them, and if they don't, they should. Show them your patriotism. Don't be so complacent that you can't teach them how to honor their country, founders, and veterans for a few moments.

They will learn what to do somewhere.

Time Magazine

Don't be patriotic when you feel like it. What if that was the thinking of every president before or every serviceman in the field. Where would we be then? I realize that there have been a lot of comments about this photo, and I don't really question whether or not Obama will say he's a patriot. But see, he represents us. He is supposed to reflect what we want and I'll tell ya, if he went to that football game, he would have seen that it's ok not to put your hand on your heart. It would be ok not to sing, it would be completely fine to walk around and talk like nothing was going on.

I did see one girl stop. She was with her friends who all looked to be Freshmen. It was like she was stumbling in a way and uncertain what she should do. She stopped and put her hand on her heart, but then she started looking around and she quickly pulled her hand down. What was that? Was she embarrassed? She walked away and was caught up in the conversation her friends were having. It's sad, it's really sad.

So, what will you do?

If you come back to my blog, and I hope you do, expect to hear these questions periodically. This is part of the whole package. I'm a Christian, wife, mother, home maker, homeschooling, businesswoman and patriot. In other words; I am nothing without Christ, the spiritual leader of my home is my husband, I am blessed with 3 amazing children, my home runs like a machine, I teach my children based on the Word of God in a strict conservative environment, I produce a quality product to help financially support our household, and I am an American that believes I can be everything prior because of where I live and because of liberties and freedoms that I refuse to have taken away from me or my children.

My New Scrap Catcher

I just got my new Scrap Catcher this weekend from Scrapguild, and it's just perfect. I love the colors and it's so much bigger than I was expecting, which is perfect because I have really bad aim when I'm pitching my threads and fabric bits. I just L♥VE IT. I'm really torn about using it for scraps though. It's so pretty I haven't wanted to take it down stairs to my shop, and I'm considering using it as a thread holder for when I'm crocheting in the family room. It perfectly hangs from a table and it also perfectly hung from the arm of the couch. Such a dilemma! I just might have to get another one! My sister-in-law stopped by this afternoon and I had to show it off to her. Go and check Clare's items out on her shop. The quality is excellent and that's saying a lot coming from a very "Finicky Frog".

Apple Picking

Our "Minivan Adventure" today took us to

Stover's Farm and U-pick

apple orchard in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

We do our best to make this a yearly tradition, and it's one of the best things about the fall.

We threw in A Prarie Home Companion CDs for the ride and it was a trip full of laughter and music. But most importantly, it was about being together and making memories.

The weather was just perfect, a little crisp and cool with a slight overcast.

We had a plan:

One bag of cooking apples

*Fuji

*Macintosh

*Jonathan

One bag of eaters:

*golden delicious
*Fuji
(Clearly we're big fans of the Fuji apple)

We get there and we're told that Fuji won't be available until next week.

That's ok...we're resourceful. It was time for a little taste testing.

It was like an apple smorgasboard!

We found that we weren't big fans of Mutsu apples. However, we L♥VE GALA! Oooooooooohhh....this is a wonderful apple. It's super sweet! So sweet the apples were sticky just hanging there! It was like eating apple pie right off the tree!

The smell of the vineyard was thick in the air. It was like someone opened the biggest package of grape Bubbalicious in the world and handed everyone a piece to chew. I wasn't planning on getting grapes and I really don't know what to do with them when I have them, but I'm thinking I should go back and get some next week. You know, when the Fujis are ready!

All in all, it was a really wonderful day hanging out with Mama and the crew. Morgan had a blast taking all of these wonderful pictures (except Maddie took the flying apple picture here...your welcome Maddie, I made sure they knew). Wesley helped Mama fill her bag and carry all of the other apples to the car. The plan is to go back next week and get the elusive Fuji....maybe grapes...those peaches really looked good...I didn't get a pumpkin yet.

I'd better go make a list!

Primitive Design

Here is the newest addition to my shop, the Primitive Damsel Garland! I just love all the warm and cozy fall colors in primitive crafts. And I have a huge affection for things that are old and rusty. But I think that my favorite primitive design would be the penny rug. It's like a little mini quilt that tells a story. All those bits and pieces of fabric from your favorite crafts all wrapped up in a beautiful design.

Blanket stitching also has this little warm and cozy place in my heart. It's so simple, and yet it adds an artistic element to the fabric. I'm always amazed at how different thing look before the blanket stitching is added.

I have one room in my house completely dedicated to primitive design. That's our family room and where we spend most of our time. To me it's the coziest room and it's a nice place to gather as a family and hang out. Primitive design is also so much more kid friendly. Usually, I buy things that look old and shabby, and the more you use them the older and shabbier they get which is perfect for the family. All this chatter has inspired me to take some pictures to share with you all. But that will have to wait until another day.

God Bless and Sweet Dreams Everyone!

How Cute Is This?

This may never happen again because it's never happened before.

They were all sound asleep nuzzled in and cozy together.

Now that's friendship.

How Time Flies

There are those days when reality hits you right smack in the face and you realize how quickly time has flown by. Five years ago, we moved to Florida and we lived there a grand total of exactly one year. While we were there, we visited the "Happiest Place on Earth", Disney World.

Tonight I came across pictures of my kids posing with Mickey and having a blast. But what I realized was how little they were, even though I know at the time I really didn't think about it.

We road on Space Mountain and I thought for sure I would lose them all in the dark abyss. I remember screaming because they were in the car in front of ours. My bottom was flying off the seat, and I new their little bums had flown off never to be seen again.

Now they are big! So close to adulthood it scares me. I know in another 5 years I'll look back and realize how little they were again.

This afternoon, I got to see how much my oldest daughter Maddie had grown in her maturity. The kids were playing basketball in the gym of the church where they have their art class. Little kids and big kids all together killing time. Her basketball accidentally bopped a little girl about the age of 4 and she fell to the ground. Without a moments hesitation, Maddie immediately ran over to her and scooped her up and comforted her like a little mommy. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"she said as she helped her too her little feet. It's become a snap shot in my mind that I'll never forget.

There are so many times that I wonder if I've raised them well. Will they do the right thing when faced with a challenge. It's moments like today that God shows me that they'll be just fine.

I know all our kids are probably in bed now. But, in the morning surprise them with a huge hug and look them right in the eyes and tell them you love them. Time goes by so fast and they really need to know that you're with them the whole way.

God bless!

Diamond and Her Chicks

The prelude to this post is that I designed a pincushion with a little blue chicken on the bobble. While I was stitching away, my mind began to wander on about chickens and farming, and I still am not sure why the chicken ended up blue other than the pearls just went so well with it. While I was musing about my dream of living in the country, I realized that I had an opportunity to use this moment as a writing prompt for my three wonderful children. At least once a week, we have creative writing, and it usually involves something weird like a purple monkey driving a taxi. I give them a time limit of thirty minutes and just that little bit of pressure causes them to come up with some of the most creative stories. It doesn't matter where you are in the story, it all comes to a screeching halt when the timer goes off. It's a lot of fun, and they like it, too because they know they'll be done in 30 minutes. ! So, the winner (of sorts) for the best interpretation of the Pearls and Chickens Pincushion goes to Maddie. We had Mama choose the winner, and with a lot of hesitation and not wanting to make the others feel bad, she made the final call.

Now without delay, here is her story.....

Diamond and Her Chicks

This is a story about a chicken. Her name is Diamond. Diamond has three sisters and one brother, and their names are Emerald, Ruby, Amethyst, and Bob. They were hatched into a rich chicken farm where every chicken is spoiled. They live in cocobolo wood homes, with silk curtains, angora rugs and golden nests.

Now, Diamond is a special chicken. She looks different, eats different, and does lots of different things from all the other chickens. Diamond is blue. She was born blue and she hatched out of a very soft and shiny egg. Diamond only eats with silver utensils, not with just her mouth. She thinks it's the proper way to go. And Diamond loves to make pincushions. She started out making them with the curtains, shiny pebbles, and the golden hay. Every time she makes one her owners come, take them to their gift shop, and sell them two by two.

Well, one day Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Amethyst were laying eggs. They were clucking when all of a sudden they heard a plunk! It sounded different from the other eggs laying. Amethyst looked under her and said, "One white, one brown. Nothing different here."

Then Ruby looked under herself and said, "Two white, one blue. Nothing different today."

And then Emerald checked under herself also and exclaimed, "There are only two eggs! Oh, wait! Two brown and one white. Whew, nothing unusual. What about you, Diamond? Anything different?"

Diamond stood up and saw two pearl eggs. "Well, what do we have here? Two pearl eggs."

"Two pearl eggs?", asked Ruby and Amethyst.

"Yep. One. Two. I bet you have to keep them extra warm for good chickies." advised Emerald, fluffing her feathers in a pocket mirror.

"Well, I'll wait until hatching time and see what happens."

Diamond waited twenty one days, and on the expected day all her eggs hatched!

"Hello chickies. How are you? Hmmmm...blue chicks!", exclaimed Diamond.

The owner heard her squawk and saw that she had two blue chicks.

"How do you think they became blue?", asked one owner.

"I don't know. The silver utensils, maybe.", replied the other.

"Didn't the hen that layed Diamond use silver utensils to eat, too?"

"As a matter of fact she did!"

The End

Bwack!

My Brood

I couldn't figure out anything to blog about today.

For those of you that don't know, I've set a goal to blog for the entire month of September.

In my attempts to find inspiration in my photo albums, I came across these pictures....unedited and uncut.

For your viewing pleasure.

THIS IS MY BROOD!

Please note. I did not take any of these pictures.

They were either taken by themselves or each other.

(ed. note--I think she's...well...I don't know)

(ed. note--Flash too bright maybe?)

Clearly these last two were playing with the camera and amusing themselves.

I just love these crazies!

(ed. note--Look's like he's trying to imitate a Sumo wrestler!)

Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

I have flipped head over heels for this 5 Minute Bread Recipe. First of all, it's super easy! It literally takes 5 minutes to throw it together without any kneading. Yes, I said without kneading! We've made bread and pizza with it (all these recipes are together in the link above). But today was extra special.

We made Pecan Cinnamon Rolls.

Ohhhh, if all of you could have been in the house this morning you would have gotten to smell the wonderful aroma. Tasted the amazing goodness. Heard the silence at the table as everyone savored. Seen my husband drooling at just the thought of homemade gooey-ness.

In fact, while I was taking these pictures, his head was over my shoulder making "mmmmm...Yummm....Ohhhhh!" noises.

But, I told him he had to wait till I got done. All of you needed to see it before my brood got to it.

I think I may do a little experimenting with making the rolls the night before and then letting them rest for about 40 minutes out of the fridge in the morning. Also, the thought of using apple in the middle sounds pretty good too. You'll have to give it a try and let me know what you think. I still want to give a Big shout out again to The Country Blossom who passed this on from her
Mother Earth News Magazine.
Thank you KATY! You've been keeping my family very happy lately with your wonderful recipes!

Cricut Crafty Clare

Clare was the winner of my 1 Year Anniversary with Etsy GIVEAWAY! Entering the contest reminded her that her shop, scrapguild.etsy.com had also had a 1 Year Celebration. You've really got to check out her shop because she has the cutest Cricut Dust Covers and Scrap Catchers. HERE'S the BEST part...She's giving ONE away! She was inspired to have her own GIVEAWAY on her Blog CricutCraftyClare too!

Now, I don't have a Cricut and Clare and I have already discussed this LOL. It is on my "tool" list (along with a Kitchen Aide Mixer...Honey did you read this??). (ed. note--I know, with the dough hook) But, even though I don't have a Cricut, I do have scraps. In fact, my floor would be so thankful not to have a bunch of strings and fabric pieces dropped on it all the time. And, if you are anything like me, a Scrap Catcher that is super cute would make your craft room complete!

Just take a few minutes and Hop on over there and check it out and be sure to tell Clare D. The Finicky Frog says "Hi!".

Couldn't Be A Better Day!

I've got about 15 minutes to fulfill my blog of the day, and a full day it has been. We got up early and finished out school for the week. The kids were hitting it hard because they knew the sooner we finished, the quicker we could get out of the house. The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging out with my mom and doing a little shopping. We've been so busy with school the last couple of weeks that we haven't got to see her much. We LOVE YOU Mama!!! Got home and made some delicious home made pizza using the 5 Minute Bread recipe (check in tomorrow for a link). Then spent the evening hanging out with awesome friends, good conversation, and eating great chocolate chip cookies! It couldn't be a better day! Woooo...I did it and 5 minutes to spare!

Alaskan Inspiration

This year I want to make sure that the kids do a lot of hands on projects.

They are getting older, but that's no reason not to bust out the glue sticks, scissors and craft paper!

Morgan has been studying the geography of the United States, and we have come to Alaska (because they are in alphabetical order). One of her projects for Alaska was to make a game board from the facts that she's learned. She worked on it for about 3 hours today, and I couldn't be more proud. I sat down to play with her and she had DANGER cards, Fact cards and Detours. It was a very color coordinated game board too!

She centered the game around the Iditarod in Alaska (so cute). Some of the Danger cards read: "Oh no! You're lost in the Boreal Forest! Miss next turn." and, "Someone stole your sled along with your goods! Anchorage has your supplies!". Some of the Fact Cards read: "Screeeech! You see the Yukon River. GO and get some gold!". That card makes your game piece get stuck in the middle of the board with all the towns. My favorite Fact Card was, "Go to Wasilla and meet Sarah Palin!" He he!

She did such a great job, and I asked her where some of her ideas came from. She said it was from all of the Alaskan books she's read. (She's a read-a-holic!) She's read a series by Tracie Peterson called Yukon Quest. She really fell in love with this series of Christian books.


I was so proud of her work today and it's moments like this that my heart just bursts!

Get a CLUE!

It was Professor Plum in the Lounge with a Rope!

I just love game nights!

My New Chalkboard!

I've got to brag on my hubby for a bit.

He made me the most useful and wonderful thing a homeschooling mom could ever want.

He made me a GIANT chalkboard!

It's on the wall of our kitchen right across from the table where the kids do their schoolwork.

I just L♥VE it!

I've put our week's schedule and menu along the top.

That leaves plenty of space for play and work at the bottom.

I splurged on these great chalk markers too. I saw the review on Sugar Pie Farmhouse, hopped over to Ebay, and got a great deal on them.

Aunt Ruthie has done a lot of really cute things with hers. Here is just one sample from her site.

The one thing that I've really loved about it is that I can put our memory verse for the week up where we all can see it.

This weeks verse is...

Proverbs 3:3

Let l♥ve and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, and write them on the tablet of your heart.

Pincushion GIVEAWAY Winner!!!

First, I want to thank each and every one of you for your wonderful comments and encouraging words. Like I said before, this is my 1 Year Anniversary with

The Finicky Frog On Etsy
It has been such an amazing experience. It's something that I can do part-part time and I enjoy in immensely. ♥♫Thank you♫♥ all for celebrating with me!

Now what you all have been waiting for.....The winner who gets to pick any one pincushion off my site is...

►Clare D. from CricutCraftyClare◄

CONGRATULATIONS!

You will be getting an email today! Have fun selecting your new pincushion!

I will be hosting another GIVEAWAY very soon! Keep coming back to the Blog or my Etsy shop to see when the next drawing will be.

God Bless♫ to all of you and I hope you all have an extra special week!

♥Heather

The Knight and Squire Have Returned

I think that every married couple that has children should be very intentional about ♥Date Night♥.  It's your opportunity to look each other in the eye without distractions and actually talk face to face.  But sometimes it's just as much a good idea to postpone your date for the good of the children.

My dear son has to put up with all us women all day long, and he's such a good sport about it.  He gets plenty of friend social time because his best friend's house is completely opposite from ours in the fact that they are a house of three sons. But there needed to be that comradarie here at home.  Daryn and Wesley have needed some good "GUY" time and they got it this weekend camping.  They talked, played cards, hiked, got mosquitto bites and counted dead frogs (cause that's what guys do).  They now have a weekend full of memories, jokes and apparently Wesley came back owing Daryn money from several Gin Rummy games (cause that's what guys do). It was an opportunity for Daryn to teach his son new things like using an acorn top as a whistle (cause that's what guys do).  The weather was perfect with warm days and cool nights and it added to that feeling of relaxation and down time.

I fought giving Daryn a call all weekend.  I'm so used to talking to him all of the time and it just seemed so strange for him not to be home, but I made sure I let them get that time without checking in with "Mom".  Their "Triumphant Return" brought them home relaxed, reconnected and ready to face the week.  And I'm so glad to have my Knight in Shining Armor back with his Squire at his side.   They were blessed to have their time together just as we girls were blessed too.  We need to make sure they get their Date Nights too.

The Princess Frog and the Amazing Garage Sale Find!

I've looked and looked for ♫"THE FIND"♫ of the Garage Sale Season

&

HERE IT IS!!!

The most ♥Pink and Frilly♥ Thing

I've ever seen!

Just Look at the Layers...the wonderful, beautiful layers!

"What's that?"

"Did you say something?"

Oh Fine!

"Yes, I'll call you Princess!"

"Presenting, Princess Frog of Finicky in her beautiful square dancin' slip!"

"Well, that's what it is!"

"Ok, Fine. FINE!"

"Presenting, Princess Frog of Finicky in her Fantabulously Magnificent Ballgown!"

"I'm sure they are applauding."

"I refuse to ask them to do such a thing!

"Her subjects bow at her grac-ie-ness!"
This is what happens when you let her out of the terrarium.

We also found one in rainbow.
The smile on my daughter's face on the way home made it the best
find of the summer.
Hoedown Throw down, Here we come!

Me and Morgie Time

I have just spent a wonderful evening with my baby girl. We made Beef Peroganoff (beef stroganoff with pirogi, YUM) and then went clothes shopping at the mall. She found an adorable "cowgirl" shirt and a cute pair of jeans. I'm so blessed to have daughters that dress modestly on their own. I'm very thankful that they use the "Daddy" test. "If Daddy won't approve it doesn't come home".

"True femininity comes from within... a peace that passes understanding, joy abundantly, a light in our eyes, a smile on our lips, kindness on our tongue... it is embracing who God made us to be... confident yet humble, strong yet full of gentleness. She'll be serving those around her, pouring out her life with joy, she'll be on her knees in the presence of her King, she'll be speaking life to those around her bringing them encouragement, hands ready to help, feet ready to go... all done whether in the heart of her home or on the other side of the world serving the least. You can have someone dressed modest and feminine full of worldly beauty and yet missing the the core of femininity, the core of who she was created to be, and you will find an empty woman, empty of life. It all starts from within, yet I think you will see it expressed in every aspect of her life. You will also find women that are not full of natural beauty but somehow they become the most beautiful woman you have seen all because she knows who she is and why she was created, full of joy and gentleness... full of life... a truly beautiful woman." -Carrie (taken from the Blog...The Stay-at-Home Missionary)

It's been a wonderful long day and I look forward to spending more time with her tomorrow.

Be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY that I posted about yesterday. It ends on Monday morning, so, don't miss you chance to WIN a FREE Pincushion from my Etsy site. Click HERE to get all the Details!!

1 Year Anniversary GIVEAWAY!

Today is my 1 Year Anniversary for The Finicky Frog on Etsy! I would like to celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!! I'm so excited to get to host my own this time.

Here we go!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner on Monday morning! The winner will get to pick ♥Any one Pincushion♥ they would like off of my Etsy site. I'll be adding pincushions this weekend, so, be sure to stop back often to see what's new.

So, tell all your friends and family and you could even tell some people you don't like too.

Here are some samples of what you'll find.

I will announce the winner in my Monday post and I'll be getting in contact with you to get your shipping information.

Have a ♫♪Wonderful Weekend and God Bless♪♫ to all of you!

What a great day!

Wesley, kicking back "doing school" with his buddies on couch.

You really can't beat it.

Meanwhile, Maddie is in the kitchen finishing up Social Studies.
She's such a hard worker.

Down the hall Morgan is practicing piano.
The house is full of music.
I L♥VE it!

Maddie contemplating her approach for her science experiment.

Ok, we couldn't find our regular safety goggles and
we had to substitute with swimming goggles.

We're so resourceful!

I think these might be on a little TOO tight!

Morgan in her element.

Baking a caramel apple cake for her dad.

I only wish I had an inkling of her passion for baking.

I did manage to crank out some Soft Pretzels.

A big "THANK YOU" to

The Country Blossom

for the recipe.

Hold the applause.. no stop...don't stop...no stop (♥Blushing♥)