This video is great. It's basically the game of telephone, but instead of passing along a sentence, a bit of opera music is used. There are eight adults playing, each recorded in their normal daily environment. Sometimes the folks in the background are as funny as the singers themselves.
(Some of you will recognize the opera singer as Sarah Hershman. Person number two is Laura King. I don't think I know any of the others.)
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Our Newest Toy
Michael and I combined our birthday money from his dad and step-mom and got a Garmin Nuvi GPS! We never knew maps could be so much fun! We're already programmed for tomorrow's long drive to Ohio. It will help us locate restaurants for lunch and, more importantly, the closest bathroom when the little ones from the back seat gotta go! It will also help us around any traffic jams and guide us through DC and Pittsburgh. It'll tell us how long our trip took, our average speed, and lots of other useless, fun information.
Thank you John and Pemmy!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
She Likes This Book
I have a favorite book. It's rated PG-13.
Or rather it would be if it were a movie. There's a warning in the front. A letter to the reader explaining that the subject matter may be offensive to some. A caution for parents. Not appropriate, even for some older teens.
I don't own this book. I have owned it. Several times. But I always end up giving it away. The first copy I read was borrowed. Then for years I would buy the book, only to give it away to the next someone on my gift list. Our church librarian purchased the book on my recommendation last month, and I was the first to check it out. Once again I've read a borrowed copy. When I finished this time, I insisted Michael read it too. And despite the beautiful, red 1850s style dress flowing across the cover, he agreed. At the end, he too, was awed.
There are currently 517 reviews of my favorite book on Amazon. 485 of them are 5-stars. 13 are 4-stars. Quite a favorable rating.
Redeeming Love retells the Old Testament story of Hosea and Gomer in an 1850's setting. It also parallels the reality of our own encounter, and subsequent relationship, with God. At times the story is beautiful and soaked with an unexplainable love, while at other times it is ugly and difficult to read. Seeing the parallel to the truth of our own sinful selves brings a spirit of repentance, followed by one of gratitude for the mercy and grace that is freely given to us despite our weaknesses.
This is the story of a woman who was wronged from very early in life. She learned to cope and survive in a way that turned love into a terrible four letter word. Yet God had a plan of redemption. A plan to bring her into a life of abundance. A plan to bring her joy.
It is also the story of a man who was obedient all his life. A man who prayed and sought God's direction. His struggles with the conflict between obedience and understanding are so very real. How can this troubled, painful road possibly lead to anything good, much less wonderful and satisfying? But it does. It really does.
Redeeming Love. By Francine Rivers. My favorite book. Perhaps forever.
Or rather it would be if it were a movie. There's a warning in the front. A letter to the reader explaining that the subject matter may be offensive to some. A caution for parents. Not appropriate, even for some older teens.
I don't own this book. I have owned it. Several times. But I always end up giving it away. The first copy I read was borrowed. Then for years I would buy the book, only to give it away to the next someone on my gift list. Our church librarian purchased the book on my recommendation last month, and I was the first to check it out. Once again I've read a borrowed copy. When I finished this time, I insisted Michael read it too. And despite the beautiful, red 1850s style dress flowing across the cover, he agreed. At the end, he too, was awed.
There are currently 517 reviews of my favorite book on Amazon. 485 of them are 5-stars. 13 are 4-stars. Quite a favorable rating.
Redeeming Love retells the Old Testament story of Hosea and Gomer in an 1850's setting. It also parallels the reality of our own encounter, and subsequent relationship, with God. At times the story is beautiful and soaked with an unexplainable love, while at other times it is ugly and difficult to read. Seeing the parallel to the truth of our own sinful selves brings a spirit of repentance, followed by one of gratitude for the mercy and grace that is freely given to us despite our weaknesses.
This is the story of a woman who was wronged from very early in life. She learned to cope and survive in a way that turned love into a terrible four letter word. Yet God had a plan of redemption. A plan to bring her into a life of abundance. A plan to bring her joy.
It is also the story of a man who was obedient all his life. A man who prayed and sought God's direction. His struggles with the conflict between obedience and understanding are so very real. How can this troubled, painful road possibly lead to anything good, much less wonderful and satisfying? But it does. It really does.
Redeeming Love. By Francine Rivers. My favorite book. Perhaps forever.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
An Evening Unexpected
I'm torn between posting pictures of Michael's birthday cake and telling you why my cheeks are tear stained.
I suppose I could leave that line there and make the decision tomorrow.
But then some of you might call my house before 9 to make sure everything is ok and we just can't have that, now can we! Everybody knows Julie is not a morning person. Never has been. Never will be.
So I guess we'll go with the tears and save the pictures for another day. You're more curious about the tears anyway, aren't you?
I told you a few weeks ago, when I was all excited about the Stuff Christians Like site, that I'd never before read a blog from start to finish all in one night. Tonight I finished my second. I don't remember why I picked up the computer in the first place. I had planned to read my book, not blogs tonight. For whatever reason I checked the LPM blog and then Room For Grace to see if there was new content. They are the top two in my favorites list and if I just have a few minutes, I go there first. Tonight, I also checked BooMama, who sent me on my way to a place I didn't expect to be.
Without realizing it, I entered into the story of Angie, whose baby girl died just hours after birth from many medical complications that will never be explained. I was first directed to a post about shattering a vase on purpose and then gluing it back together while you and God have a heart to heart. Curious about what had caused her grief, I started back at the beginning. Once there, I couldn't stop. She tells an honest, compelling story with so much emotion in the words that you can't help but walk the road with her.
So much of her grief ripped open those sacred places I have in my heart for my friend's baby, Jackson, and my own miscarried baby. I remembered the tears and the pain and the anger and lack of answers. I remembered the sorrow and pain and the little things that made me smile when I didn't want to. I remembered being with Molly in Boston on a whale watching boat - how she ran from one side of the boat to the other in an exuberant search for a spout of water, momentarily letting something other than grief occupy her tired self. I remembered how Molly listened while I cried my own sadness to her just a few years later.
And tonight, I voluntarily walked that road again with a lady named Angie in Tennessee. Her baby died just 8 weeks ago. I cried for her. I cried with her. I giggled at some of the things her girls said. I smiled at pictures and ended up feeling like I spent the evening with a friend. How is it that someone can be going through that much pain, and still be writing such encouragement? It's not an easy story to read, or tell for that matter. But it is beautiful. In more ways than we'll likely ever know.
I've finished reading. I've finished my Coke and my popcorn. Michael's already gone to bed. And I... I need to go clean my lenses of the water marks wet eyelashes make. My tear stained cheeks will be clean in just a short while. Hers will take much longer. But tonight I'm thankful for the Psalm that promises
"He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
And calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power
His understanding has no limit. "
I suppose I could leave that line there and make the decision tomorrow.
But then some of you might call my house before 9 to make sure everything is ok and we just can't have that, now can we! Everybody knows Julie is not a morning person. Never has been. Never will be.
So I guess we'll go with the tears and save the pictures for another day. You're more curious about the tears anyway, aren't you?
I told you a few weeks ago, when I was all excited about the Stuff Christians Like site, that I'd never before read a blog from start to finish all in one night. Tonight I finished my second. I don't remember why I picked up the computer in the first place. I had planned to read my book, not blogs tonight. For whatever reason I checked the LPM blog and then Room For Grace to see if there was new content. They are the top two in my favorites list and if I just have a few minutes, I go there first. Tonight, I also checked BooMama, who sent me on my way to a place I didn't expect to be.
Without realizing it, I entered into the story of Angie, whose baby girl died just hours after birth from many medical complications that will never be explained. I was first directed to a post about shattering a vase on purpose and then gluing it back together while you and God have a heart to heart. Curious about what had caused her grief, I started back at the beginning. Once there, I couldn't stop. She tells an honest, compelling story with so much emotion in the words that you can't help but walk the road with her.
So much of her grief ripped open those sacred places I have in my heart for my friend's baby, Jackson, and my own miscarried baby. I remembered the tears and the pain and the anger and lack of answers. I remembered the sorrow and pain and the little things that made me smile when I didn't want to. I remembered being with Molly in Boston on a whale watching boat - how she ran from one side of the boat to the other in an exuberant search for a spout of water, momentarily letting something other than grief occupy her tired self. I remembered how Molly listened while I cried my own sadness to her just a few years later.
And tonight, I voluntarily walked that road again with a lady named Angie in Tennessee. Her baby died just 8 weeks ago. I cried for her. I cried with her. I giggled at some of the things her girls said. I smiled at pictures and ended up feeling like I spent the evening with a friend. How is it that someone can be going through that much pain, and still be writing such encouragement? It's not an easy story to read, or tell for that matter. But it is beautiful. In more ways than we'll likely ever know.
I've finished reading. I've finished my Coke and my popcorn. Michael's already gone to bed. And I... I need to go clean my lenses of the water marks wet eyelashes make. My tear stained cheeks will be clean in just a short while. Hers will take much longer. But tonight I'm thankful for the Psalm that promises
"He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
And calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power
His understanding has no limit. "
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Shack
Just this afternoon I finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. It took me several days to read because there was just so much to process and think about! This book is amazing and thought provoking. I love how it challenges my 'religion' and draws me to a whole other level of relationship.
If you haven't read it, please consider it. I think it will affect you in ways you could never imagine and challenge you to a life of abundant love.
If you haven't read it, please consider it. I think it will affect you in ways you could never imagine and challenge you to a life of abundant love.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Everybody Has A Blog
It took me nearly a year to admit in public that I have a blog. There's a funny little look people give you when they find out that you blog. Especially if they aren't very active online. I think the perception is that you are publishing your private diary online for everyone in the entire world to read.
Clearly not true because some people in Africa don't have internet access.
I don't have a problem emailing a link to a post I've written or putting my url in our family Christmas letter. But to tell someone face-to-face that I have a blog...well....I get all shy about it. And God help Michael if I ever find out HE'S told someone about the blog. I need every detail of the conversation and I must be reassured that he kept the expectations very, very low. I nearly passed out when I found out he'd told his songwriting friend, Matt, in Georgia, whom I've never met!
I totally love my blog. It's my creative outlet and my family record. But the whole confidence thing has taken a little while to develop. Someday I'm going to be proud of my blog. Someday.
In the meantime, it helps a lot to see that blogging is becoming more and more popular. Last year my favorite Bible teacher, Beth Moore, started one with her daughter. They post encouragement, funny stories, pictures, conference recaps, and lots of everyday family life.
In the past few weeks, I've stumbled across a couple of other famous people blogs still in their infant stages. Ed Young, pastor of Fellowship Church in Texas and our small group mascot (just kidding), began writing at EdYoungBlog.com.
Patsy Clairmont - THE Patsy Clairmont of Sportin' a 'Tude fame - has one too.
And then today, I followed a link to Travis Cottrell's blog. Travis Cottrell - who leads worship at the Living Proof Live conferences and was nominated for THREE Dove Awards this year. And Travis even blogs about American Idol! I'm not kidding.
Most of these are still getting under 20 comments a post, which means they haven't been discovered by the masses yet. How else do you get to send a direct message to someone like that...without getting a form letter back saying so-and-so isn't able to answer, or even read, all of their personal mail anymore, butthankyouverymuchforwriting.
So the way I've got it figured, if Beth Moore, Ed Young, Travis Cottrell, and Patsy Clairmont have blogs, I need not be ashamed of mine.
Right. Yeah, I'm working on it.
Clearly not true because some people in Africa don't have internet access.
I don't have a problem emailing a link to a post I've written or putting my url in our family Christmas letter. But to tell someone face-to-face that I have a blog...well....I get all shy about it. And God help Michael if I ever find out HE'S told someone about the blog. I need every detail of the conversation and I must be reassured that he kept the expectations very, very low. I nearly passed out when I found out he'd told his songwriting friend, Matt, in Georgia, whom I've never met!
I totally love my blog. It's my creative outlet and my family record. But the whole confidence thing has taken a little while to develop. Someday I'm going to be proud of my blog. Someday.
In the meantime, it helps a lot to see that blogging is becoming more and more popular. Last year my favorite Bible teacher, Beth Moore, started one with her daughter. They post encouragement, funny stories, pictures, conference recaps, and lots of everyday family life.
In the past few weeks, I've stumbled across a couple of other famous people blogs still in their infant stages. Ed Young, pastor of Fellowship Church in Texas and our small group mascot (just kidding), began writing at EdYoungBlog.com.
Patsy Clairmont - THE Patsy Clairmont of Sportin' a 'Tude fame - has one too.
And then today, I followed a link to Travis Cottrell's blog. Travis Cottrell - who leads worship at the Living Proof Live conferences and was nominated for THREE Dove Awards this year. And Travis even blogs about American Idol! I'm not kidding.
Most of these are still getting under 20 comments a post, which means they haven't been discovered by the masses yet. How else do you get to send a direct message to someone like that...without getting a form letter back saying so-and-so isn't able to answer, or even read, all of their personal mail anymore, butthankyouverymuchforwriting.
So the way I've got it figured, if Beth Moore, Ed Young, Travis Cottrell, and Patsy Clairmont have blogs, I need not be ashamed of mine.
Right. Yeah, I'm working on it.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Really? That's Not In The Bible?
I use the internet to look up just about everything these days. Phone numbers (on Superpages), directions (Mapquest or Google maps), the forecast (weather.com), restaurant menus....just to name a few.
The other day I heard a woman complaining because she couldn't find a dictionary in a classroom. Nine years ago, I didn't have a dictionary in my classroom! If I needed a one, I used dictionary.com. I think the only dictionary we have in our home is a French dictionary Michael hasn't been able to part with.
For years Bible Gateway has been my go-to site for scripture look ups. You can search by keyword, topic, or specific reference. Similar to Bible Gateway is Blue Letter Bible. I think this is the site Beth Moore references in the intro to some of her studies. Not so long ago I was exploring their site and discovered a page called
The other day I heard a woman complaining because she couldn't find a dictionary in a classroom. Nine years ago, I didn't have a dictionary in my classroom! If I needed a one, I used dictionary.com. I think the only dictionary we have in our home is a French dictionary Michael hasn't been able to part with.
For years Bible Gateway has been my go-to site for scripture look ups. You can search by keyword, topic, or specific reference. Similar to Bible Gateway is Blue Letter Bible. I think this is the site Beth Moore references in the intro to some of her studies. Not so long ago I was exploring their site and discovered a page called
Sayings Not Found In Scripture
Curious, I clicked on it. The list was quite interesting. Some of the phrases have Biblical support, but aren't written quite like we hear them. Others aren't even close! According to their site, neither "spare the rod and spoil the child" nor "pride comes before a fall" are actual Bible verses. Both clearly come from Proverbs, but they aren't exact quotes. They leave out words or combine verses to create a concept.
Check it out. There's probably at least one on the list that will surprise you.
Curious, I clicked on it. The list was quite interesting. Some of the phrases have Biblical support, but aren't written quite like we hear them. Others aren't even close! According to their site, neither "spare the rod and spoil the child" nor "pride comes before a fall" are actual Bible verses. Both clearly come from Proverbs, but they aren't exact quotes. They leave out words or combine verses to create a concept.
Check it out. There's probably at least one on the list that will surprise you.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ice Cream
This is my new favorite ice cream. Why didn't someone think of this a long time ago? It's like having the magic shell all through out instead of just on top!
(You can click on the picture to find out where to buy it.)
(You can click on the picture to find out where to buy it.)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Stuff Christians Like
I just spent TWO and a HALF hours reading an ENTIRE blog from start to finish. I have never done that before, but this one took me hostage. My eyes leaked and my tongue is now dry from reading so many of the posts out loud to Michael. (during the NCAAB championship game, no less... he was very gracious and never asked me to stop.)
It's called Stuff Christians Like.
Here's one to get you started (the last line cracked me up):
P.S. - Dave and Chris...you will both love this blog!
Those are interesting to me, but what I really love is when we wrap the Bible in something unique. My favorite examples, with quotes from a Christian store, are:
Battlezone Bible
"Sometimes our faith takes a beating. With this metal covered Bible, young people can stand up to the battle and make a statement about their faith.
The Denim Bible
This stylish, denim-clad Bible is packed with exciting features, including 16 full-color pages of bold, engaging Scripture highlights featuring themes that appeal to today's youth.
My wife thinks that getting your own version of the Bible, such as John Maxwell for instance, is like winning the Christian author Super Bowl. If I ever get the chance to publish a "Stuff Christians Like" Bible, I'm going to have it wrapped in lush velvet, illustrate the Song of Solomon and call it simply, "Purple Rain."
It's called Stuff Christians Like.
Here's one to get you started (the last line cracked me up):
P.S. - Dave and Chris...you will both love this blog!
#94. Highly specialized Bibles.
Compared to what's available these days, my Bible is pretty boring. It's black, full of lots of words, a few maps and not much else. But whenever I go to Christian bookstores I am overwhelmed at the sheer amount of options we have. It's funny to me how many versions we've created and how very specific they've gotten. Here are a few I found today:
- Christian Counselor's Bible
- Every Man's Bible
- Duraword Weatherproof Bible (Combining "durable" and "word of God" into duraword almost deserves it's own post)
- The Abundant Life Bible
Those are interesting to me, but what I really love is when we wrap the Bible in something unique. My favorite examples, with quotes from a Christian store, are:
Battlezone Bible
"Sometimes our faith takes a beating. With this metal covered Bible, young people can stand up to the battle and make a statement about their faith.
The Denim Bible
This stylish, denim-clad Bible is packed with exciting features, including 16 full-color pages of bold, engaging Scripture highlights featuring themes that appeal to today's youth.
My wife thinks that getting your own version of the Bible, such as John Maxwell for instance, is like winning the Christian author Super Bowl. If I ever get the chance to publish a "Stuff Christians Like" Bible, I'm going to have it wrapped in lush velvet, illustrate the Song of Solomon and call it simply, "Purple Rain."
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Sit Long. Talk Much. Laugh Often.
We saw this quote over a fireplace at Sandy Cove last month. After a quick online search, I was thrilled to discover an ebay store, called The Wood Taylor, that sells these simple signs! Mine arrived last week and I could hardly get the box open fast enough. It looked every bit as nice as I'd hoped, and I immediately cleared a place for it on our mantle.To me, this quote expresses exactly how I want our guests to feel. Quality time is my love language and there's nothing I enjoy more than spending time with friends. I think Sit Long, Talk Much, Laugh Often is a good motto for a home, and it's quickly becoming ours!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Nine Lessons You'd Rather Learn From Us
Some lessons you learn the hard way. Some you learn from watching other people make mistakes. Here's your chance to pick up nine free lessons from our mistakes. We've had quite a week and someone may as well benefit from it! : )
1. It is not a good idea to paint anything with a toddler nearby. It takes more than twice as long as it should.
2. Whoever told me that you could edge the ceiling-wall at the top of the staircase by taping a brush to a long pole, was wrong. Very wrong. Now we have to paint the ceiling too.
3. Never place a bucket of paint on top of the washing machine. More importantly, never wash wet potty-training pants while that bucket of paint is sitting there. You WILL have to stop painting and clean up a very large mess. In a hurry.
4. Paint dries on the floor very fast.
5. A lot of dust, lint, socks, dryer sheets, random screws, barrettes, pennies, and sidewalk chalk fall behind a dryer that barely fits in a laundry closet.
6. It's very difficult to get out from the behind the dryer after you've plugged it back in and reconnected the vent. (Not that connecting the vent is easy. It isn't.)
7. When you are potty training, don't plan to take an all day trip away from home. Your child will forget everything by the time you get back.
8. While giving your child lots of juice will make them pee more, it will also eventually give them diarrhea. Which immediately halts your potty training efforts. stupid, stupid, stupid
9. Every project will have setbacks. The banister in your stairway is probably screwed in pretty tight. It might take knocking a pretty good hole in the wall to get those brackets out of there. Oh, and paint doesn't cover the wall patch as well as you're led to believe.
NINE LESSONS
FROM THE PEAPOD SPRING BREAK
FROM THE PEAPOD SPRING BREAK
1. It is not a good idea to paint anything with a toddler nearby. It takes more than twice as long as it should.
2. Whoever told me that you could edge the ceiling-wall at the top of the staircase by taping a brush to a long pole, was wrong. Very wrong. Now we have to paint the ceiling too.
3. Never place a bucket of paint on top of the washing machine. More importantly, never wash wet potty-training pants while that bucket of paint is sitting there. You WILL have to stop painting and clean up a very large mess. In a hurry.
4. Paint dries on the floor very fast.
5. A lot of dust, lint, socks, dryer sheets, random screws, barrettes, pennies, and sidewalk chalk fall behind a dryer that barely fits in a laundry closet.
6. It's very difficult to get out from the behind the dryer after you've plugged it back in and reconnected the vent. (Not that connecting the vent is easy. It isn't.)
7. When you are potty training, don't plan to take an all day trip away from home. Your child will forget everything by the time you get back.
8. While giving your child lots of juice will make them pee more, it will also eventually give them diarrhea. Which immediately halts your potty training efforts. stupid, stupid, stupid
9. Every project will have setbacks. The banister in your stairway is probably screwed in pretty tight. It might take knocking a pretty good hole in the wall to get those brackets out of there. Oh, and paint doesn't cover the wall patch as well as you're led to believe.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
My Sewing Obsession
I have fleeting obsessions. Michael told me the other day that he thinks they are funny. (Thank goodness!) Basically, what happens is that I get all fired up about learning something new so I read all about it; then I go buy all the stuff I need to do it. I work on the new project every spare moment...until I get confused or frustrated or tired of it.
Sometimes I come back to a project. Sometimes it sits in the closet for years.
My latest obsession is sewing. The one before that was drawing. And the one before that was aprons. I still have two aprons to make. My new drawing kit is upstairs in my nightstand. I'm also easily drawn into anything related to cake decorating, baking, photography, and scrap booking. On the other hand, I have the remnants of my glass painting, cross stitching, knitting, and photo crafts phases gathering dust in various closets and shelves around the house.
Sewing comes and goes regularly for me. I get all inspired so I jump into projects, but I just as easily get stuck and quit. Last summer I tried to make a sundress for Brenna from a pattern. I'm stuck at the zipper. I can't figure out how to sew it in right so it just sits on my sewing desk. Besides that, it's a little big and the ribbon across the waist sags. Oh and the straps don't quite look right, either.
A few months ago, I was reading a blog that's not on my daily list and I saw an adorable puppet theater. The pattern came from a book that got good ratings on Amazon so I bought the book and made a theater too. It was so easy that I picked another project. A tote bag.
I made it as gift for my sister, who kept our kids for two days while Michael and I were away for our anniversary. The material came from a dress someone at our old church had given me. At least she said it was a dress. Her sister had given it to her, and neither one of us could figure out how you were supposed to wear it. Anyway, I decided it was time to cut that thing up and make something else out of it.
Though smaller than I imagined, the bag turned out quite well. There's even a pocket on the inside. The design is on both the front and the back. I was pretty excited. Best of all, it will likely NEVER fall apart. That's because yours truly bought UPHOLSTERY thread to sew the light, silky dress material into a tote bag. Lesson learned the hard way. As usual.
Anyway, in true Julie fashion, the new book is slowly being buried under another project. I wanted to make something else, but you had to increase the pattern 135%. Uh hmmm..... Just inconvenient enough to leave it for another day.
Sometimes I come back to a project. Sometimes it sits in the closet for years.
My latest obsession is sewing. The one before that was drawing. And the one before that was aprons. I still have two aprons to make. My new drawing kit is upstairs in my nightstand. I'm also easily drawn into anything related to cake decorating, baking, photography, and scrap booking. On the other hand, I have the remnants of my glass painting, cross stitching, knitting, and photo crafts phases gathering dust in various closets and shelves around the house.
Sewing comes and goes regularly for me. I get all inspired so I jump into projects, but I just as easily get stuck and quit. Last summer I tried to make a sundress for Brenna from a pattern. I'm stuck at the zipper. I can't figure out how to sew it in right so it just sits on my sewing desk. Besides that, it's a little big and the ribbon across the waist sags. Oh and the straps don't quite look right, either.
A few months ago, I was reading a blog that's not on my daily list and I saw an adorable puppet theater. The pattern came from a book that got good ratings on Amazon so I bought the book and made a theater too. It was so easy that I picked another project. A tote bag.
I made it as gift for my sister, who kept our kids for two days while Michael and I were away for our anniversary. The material came from a dress someone at our old church had given me. At least she said it was a dress. Her sister had given it to her, and neither one of us could figure out how you were supposed to wear it. Anyway, I decided it was time to cut that thing up and make something else out of it.
Though smaller than I imagined, the bag turned out quite well. There's even a pocket on the inside. The design is on both the front and the back. I was pretty excited. Best of all, it will likely NEVER fall apart. That's because yours truly bought UPHOLSTERY thread to sew the light, silky dress material into a tote bag. Lesson learned the hard way. As usual.Anyway, in true Julie fashion, the new book is slowly being buried under another project. I wanted to make something else, but you had to increase the pattern 135%. Uh hmmm..... Just inconvenient enough to leave it for another day.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Secret Project Revealed
Those of you who read my blog here occasionally miss the witty comments of my Facebook friends. (The blog imports into Facebook.) Christine -on Facebook- wants to know if my secret project "rhymes with muppet meteor". At first I thought "indeed it does". Because I always use the word indeed in my thoughts. Right.
But upon further consideration, I realized that it does not. Unless we apply the use of something called Slant Rhyme, like they do in music. And then it does. Although I'm not sure how or why you'd be writing a song about a muppet meteor. And a puppet theater.
Introducing Honey Bear. Who isn't actually a puppet, but apparently he was opening the show today. We have a pretty good collection of puppets, including Cookie Monster, Tiger, Barkley the Dog, and Bear.
Here Cookie Monster and Bear are discussing...cookies, I'm guess ... as Daniel watches.
Here's the puppeteer, though it appears she lost her smile somewhere. I love the black and white picture with only the red color showing. Kinda wish we'd gotten one with her smiling, though.
The pattern for the theater included a storage case which I also made. We simply roll it up, slide it in the case and put it away. Or take it to Grandma's.
(The pattern is in a book called Bend-The-Rules Sewing and I got it on Amazon.)
But upon further consideration, I realized that it does not. Unless we apply the use of something called Slant Rhyme, like they do in music. And then it does. Although I'm not sure how or why you'd be writing a song about a muppet meteor. And a puppet theater.
Introducing Honey Bear. Who isn't actually a puppet, but apparently he was opening the show today. We have a pretty good collection of puppets, including Cookie Monster, Tiger, Barkley the Dog, and Bear.
Here Cookie Monster and Bear are discussing...cookies, I'm guess ... as Daniel watches.
Here's the puppeteer, though it appears she lost her smile somewhere. I love the black and white picture with only the red color showing. Kinda wish we'd gotten one with her smiling, though.The pattern for the theater included a storage case which I also made. We simply roll it up, slide it in the case and put it away. Or take it to Grandma's.
(The pattern is in a book called Bend-The-Rules Sewing and I got it on Amazon.)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Compassion In Uganda
Compassion International has taken a team of bloggers to Uganda, where they are witnessing Compassion's work firsthand. These 15 writers are posting their experiences online as often as they can get connected. I've been following their story through BooMama and I'm totally drawn in by the pictures. Take a few minutes and read about the incredible work being done in Uganda. Scroll to the bottom of the page because the story starts around February 10.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Joining the Company Girls
I've been reading Rachel Anne's blog for several months now, and at the beginning of the year she started helping her readers take small steps towards creating a more peaceful home. Her blog is called Home Sanctuary and that's really the goal, to create a home sanctuary. I love the thought of that. To create a home that's peaceful and fun. To reduce the clutter and keep only what we genuinely enjoy. I want my home to be more inviting, both to us and to others. I want it to be safe haven from the world for my family. Our house should be full of laughter and love. I think that's why I was drawn in by her idea to work together towards creating homes like this.
I've signed up for daily programs before and dropped out soon after. So for January I decided to just read the posts and see what she challenged us to do. It only took about two weeks to realize that these small tasks were totally doable and sometimes even fun. I decided that I would join at the beginning of February and here I am.
I've sent her an email to sign up and I've added the Company Girls button on my sidebar. (Company Girls is what she calls everyone who participates. She says it's more fun if we do it together...and she's right.) Now I just have to figure out how to earn my points for today!
I've signed up for daily programs before and dropped out soon after. So for January I decided to just read the posts and see what she challenged us to do. It only took about two weeks to realize that these small tasks were totally doable and sometimes even fun. I decided that I would join at the beginning of February and here I am.
I've sent her an email to sign up and I've added the Company Girls button on my sidebar. (Company Girls is what she calls everyone who participates. She says it's more fun if we do it together...and she's right.) Now I just have to figure out how to earn my points for today!
Friday, January 25, 2008
It Was MY Party Afterall....
Last night I had a Thirty-One Home Party. Michael and I decided that Brenna should stay downstairs with me and participate in the party. It seemed a good opportunity for her to learn how to behave and act at such events. Before everyone arrived I talked with her about being quiet while Miss Deann (our consultant) was talking, having good self control and sitting quietly. I felt pretty confident that she was prepared.
As in most home parties, Deann spoke for about 15 minutes on the products and then gave us time to look through the catalog and make our selections. After about 10 minutes of everybody talking and asking questions, Brenna walked over to where I was sitting and put her hands on my arms. She leaned in close to my face and said, "Mom, this is your party. Can't you control all these people?"
I couldn't help but laugh. She thought everyone was being rude to Deann.
Teaching my daughter about social events and behavior is important to me. I see it as part of my responsibility as a mom. Teaching the younger generation. The Living Proof Ministries Blog is having a discussion about Titus 2 advice today. The comments are full of good advice and quite entertaining! If you have some time, go check it out. I daresay, you'll be challenged in one area or another!
As in most home parties, Deann spoke for about 15 minutes on the products and then gave us time to look through the catalog and make our selections. After about 10 minutes of everybody talking and asking questions, Brenna walked over to where I was sitting and put her hands on my arms. She leaned in close to my face and said, "Mom, this is your party. Can't you control all these people?"
I couldn't help but laugh. She thought everyone was being rude to Deann.
Teaching my daughter about social events and behavior is important to me. I see it as part of my responsibility as a mom. Teaching the younger generation. The Living Proof Ministries Blog is having a discussion about Titus 2 advice today. The comments are full of good advice and quite entertaining! If you have some time, go check it out. I daresay, you'll be challenged in one area or another!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Decorating For Christmas
Since I haven't done anything more significant than fold laundry and change Mr. poopy-butt (a nickname he's earned fair and square so don't pity him!) for the last two days, I don't have a lot to write about.
However, we decorated our tree earlier this week. (yeah us!) I usually enjoy decorating for Christmas, but I read a humbug blog post about lugging everything out for 5 weeks and then putting it all away again and it kinda zapped my fun. Even so, I pushed my way through, determining to carefully choose which decorations I really wanted to display this year. Over the past few years I've whittled our Christmas decorations down to two regular, plastic boxes and a large blue bin (for the outside stuff). Brenna also has a box of things that belong to her. Four boxes altogether. But I chose carefully from that collection and I think we did pretty well.
I'm not going to post pictures yet, because I want to participate in the Christmas Tour of Homes hosted by BooMama in December.
Since I was picky this year, a lot went back upstairs to the storage area. Many ornaments just didn't make the cut. Then this morning I read this post by Rachel Anne called Hanging With The Ornaments (Home Sanctuary) and it cracked me up that she wrote a post to her Christmas ornaments. If you have a minute, click on the link and read it. I think it'll make you smile too.
However, we decorated our tree earlier this week. (yeah us!) I usually enjoy decorating for Christmas, but I read a humbug blog post about lugging everything out for 5 weeks and then putting it all away again and it kinda zapped my fun. Even so, I pushed my way through, determining to carefully choose which decorations I really wanted to display this year. Over the past few years I've whittled our Christmas decorations down to two regular, plastic boxes and a large blue bin (for the outside stuff). Brenna also has a box of things that belong to her. Four boxes altogether. But I chose carefully from that collection and I think we did pretty well.I'm not going to post pictures yet, because I want to participate in the Christmas Tour of Homes hosted by BooMama in December.
Since I was picky this year, a lot went back upstairs to the storage area. Many ornaments just didn't make the cut. Then this morning I read this post by Rachel Anne called Hanging With The Ornaments (Home Sanctuary) and it cracked me up that she wrote a post to her Christmas ornaments. If you have a minute, click on the link and read it. I think it'll make you smile too.
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