Thanking God on Friday!

~ I am thankful that Rondell's schedule was changed and that he'll be home all day tomorrow...fun times!

~ I am thankful that my cousin and her best friend love to come and visit us every summer. I love that tonight is the start of their annual trip and I can't wait to see them...AND my cousin's new little baby. I can't wait to kiss on some baby cheeks and get my baby fill :)

~ I am thankful that my friend let me borrow an amazing book...Fresh Power. It's all about God's gift of the Holy Spirit and it is truly fulfilling!

~ I am thankful for the Ohio State Fair. We are going tomorrow!

To Do Thursday!

Hello there Friends and Happy Thursday. You may not think this when you get done reading what I've done (or haven't done), but I truly love this weekly listing. It is keeping me accountable and making me think about why things aren't getting done. This week's revelation...I don't make good enough use of my weekends. I tend to have an all-play weekend when I really need to do at least one item on my list (or two). With that, this weekend I'm going to put my list into action!

Here's the run down from last week:

1. Clean under the kitchen sink...No. This will be added to this week.

2. Clean out junk drawer...DONE. My plan was to remove all of the items in the junk drawer, move them to a different location and then turn the drawer into a utensil drawer. Here are the results:

I removed the stuff from the drawers (they were already in these containers) and moved all of it to a shelf in one of my cabinets. It was a shelf that wasn't really being used so I thought I'd give it a try.

I wiped the drawer out and lined it with one of my kitchen towels. I might change that and buy some new contact paper...I haven't decided.

Here is where my utensils were housed before...on the counter. It took up a lot of space and it was too dark for the kitchen.

I moved all of the utensils to the drawer and eventually I'll put more baking needs in here, like measuring spoons. Ahh...much better.

3. Start typing out recipes to put in recipe binder...DONE. I played around and, for the most part, figured out how to make a text box to type out my recipes individually. I will eventually print them all off, put them in sheet protectors and put them all into a binder. This will be an ongoing project :)

4. Buy a new sticky sheet for my Cricut...technically No. Rondell went to Walmart yesterday to buy one for me, but they didn't have any. I will have to try and find one this evening.

5. Make thank you notes...DONE. I got to play around with some of my new stamps, ink and paper to make a few cards for the guests of my workshop. I'll show you what I made on Tuesday.

6. Clean hall...No. The poor hall has been on this list for far too long...it will be the first thing I tackle.

This Week's To Do List

1. Clean hall.

2. Clean and organize under kitchen sink.

3. Clean out school bin (the one I created here). I need to go through and throw away what we won't need this year and make any new folders if necessary.

4. Buy sticky sheet for my Cricut and make a cover for at least one year of BSF notes.

Wordless Wednesday - Favorite Pastime

**And keepin' it real with the one sock and non-matching jammies :)

For more WW visit my friend Tanya.

Kelli's Krafts - My First Sketch Challenge!

I have never participated in any kind of card challenge before, but I was thinking that I would give it a try. Over the weekend I came across this challenge and decided to participate. I LOVED it. I'm all about a quick, yet cute, card and having this sketch really helped me to make a card in a little amount of time.

I made this card for a couple who is moving to Asia to serve God! Here's the sketch:

And here's what I came up with:

Again, I went to my Color Coach to pick out my color combination (everyone should have one!). It originally included Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, and Tangerine Tango, but I don't currently have Tangerine Tango (it's on the way!) so I substituted it with Pumpkin Pie. I also used my Heart to Heart Punch (hi Jodie) to punch out the hearts in the three colors (this is a great reason to keep your scraps because they can be used to punch out shapes.) I used the Short & Sweet stamp set for my sentiment, punched it out with the 1-3/4 X 7/8 Inch Oval Punch, and layered it onto my Scallop Oval Punch.

This was also my first attempt at a bow...I plan on practicing a little more :) The ribbon that I used is retired...but still loved.

miscellany monday

1. I love bloggy friends...they are like modern day pen pals. Recently I hooked up with a fellow blogger to do a flip flop exchange (we both missed Becca's wonderful exchange this year). Kayla sent me a cool pair of flip flops and some neat things from her home state of Texas. Look:

A Texas cookie cutter, a Texas ice cube maker, and a Texas sticker. She also sent me some facts about her state. Thanks Kayla!

2. I am really REALLY excited that today starts the Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial soap event (with a note to say that they didn't ask me to say this). I love their soap and this week there is a huge sale...can't wait to go.

3. Caleb used the bathroom (in the bathroom) ALL weekend. This is truly an answer to prayer. He spent the day with my mother-in-law on Friday and I don't know what she said to him, but he's been going to the bathroom non-stop since he left her house. We took him to the toy store to get two new trains on Saturday (because he even pooped!). I pray this is the end of diapers.

4. I've decided that I need to add more yellow to my house. I LOVE yellow (in case you haven't heard) and there just isn't enough of it in my home. My kitchen is yellow, but I would like to make a yellow-based valance for the window. I'm also thinking of adding more yellow accents to my room as well...it's such a happy color.

Thanking God on Friday!

~ I am thankful that I got to spend a relaxing evening with my Mommy, just the two of us. We talked and watched TV. It was really an enjoyable time to just kick back and laugh with her...we should do it more often. I love you Mommy!

~ I am thankful for a few verses that have crossed by path this week. I'm really working on placing them in my heart and not just my head...does that make sense? I worry...and it's not a good thing. I realize too that it's going against my faith in God and these verses are helping me to be healed from worrying....Matthew 11:29-30, Matthew 6:34 & Psalm 51:12.

~ I am thankful for my cherry pie filling...it makes a really good cherry crisp.

~ I am thankful that Jamison said I am the best mom ever...that makes me smile.

To Do Thursday

Hello Friends. Can you believe that July is almost over?

Well, going back to my July 8 post...

1. Make hummus...DONE. You can see it here.

2. Clean Caleb's room...DONE. I do still have to take the toys to church, but everything is cleaned out. It makes me realize how bare his walls are and I need to think about what to do.

3. Finalize everything for my workshop...DONE. There are some things that I will do differently next time, as far as cutting paper and preparing samples.

4. Clean under my kitchen sink...Nope.

This Week's To Do List

1. Clean under my kitchen sink.

2. Clean out junk drawer...I have a new plan for what I want to do with this drawer. Can you believe we only have two kitchen drawers...drives me crazy!

3. Start typing out recipes to put in a recipe binder (does anyone know how to make text boxes?).

4. Buy new sticky sheet for my Cricut.

5. Make Thank You notes.

6. Clean hall.

I have big hopes for this week :)

Wordless Wednesday - All Boy...Scooters, Bumps and Scrapes

Check out Tanya @ Miller Racing Family for more WW!!

Kid Friendly Cheeseburger

Tonight I tried a new recipe (I'm really working on trying new recipes...it's #61 on my 101 in 1001 days list). I just saw the recipe (here) today on Tanya's blog and realized I had almost everything to make it and no menu plan...a perfect match! Thanks Tanya!

I followed the recipe almost exactly, except I used slices of American cheese slices (we always have that on hand) and I used Oscar Mayer's bacon pieces (we love this stuff and it's so easy for when you need bacon in a recipe). Here are some pictures of the after:

There are a few missing...we were hungry. I actually made two batches because I had a lot of hamburger. 1/2 of the batch I rolled, like the instructions, and the other half I folded over kind of like an empanada...see:

They were really good...we all loved them. Jamison asked if I could make them every night...silly girl.

Kelli's Krafts - My First Workshop

I'm so excited to share with you some of the details of my very first Stampin Up! workshop. SU gives great coaching to help demonstrators have a successful workshop. My upline Lisa was also a huge help and support as I prepared how I wanted the workshop to flow. I did not take any pictures before or during the workshop because...well, I was nervous and didn't think about it. I had each seat set up with a piece of grid paper (to stamp on, take notes, etc), a Summer Mini catalog, an order form, and information about hosting a workshop. Overall, I feel that the workshop was a success...bring on the next one!

I had 6 friends attend and I believe that was a perfect number for me (and my nerves). First I talked a little about SU and why I became a demonstrator. I explained to them how I went to my first SU open house at Lisa's and from there I was hooked. I am all about thoughtful and making a card for someone has thoughtful written all over it. SU & I just fit!

Then onto the projects. First, I demonstrated a 3x3 card that I made with Bouquet Bunch, out of the Summer Mini catalog. With this demonstration I also showed my guests how to use a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig...which is a tool to help you line up images and keep your sentiments straight (every stamper should have one!).

Here are a few samples of the card that I made:

I really love this set because you can do so many things with it...so universal!

The next card I demonstrated was one that everyone also had a chance to create and take home with them. I used Pocket Silhouettes because it has great images and two sweet sentiments...a great beginner stamp. I also wanted to show the technique of "stamping off" to show how to get further use out of one stamp pad. See:

I found this card on SU's demonstrator website (I'm not sure how to link there or give credit...something I need to find out!). On Whisper White card stock I stamped the image using Real Red and then, without reinking, stamped the image again creating a lighter image. It looks as though I used more than one ink pad but in reality it's just one (oooohhh...aaahhh).

It's really true that all you need to get started is an ink pad, a stamp set, card stock and adhesive.

**If ever you want to order any Stampin Up! product contact me by email (kelliskrafts@yahoo.com) or my SU website ( http://kelliskrafts.stampinup.net).

miscellany monday - take two

{1} Do you have certain shows or movies that you just have to turn on when you see that they are on TV...I do: Friends, The Golden Girls, Three's Company, You've Got Mail, any of the Bourne movies, and Clue.

{2} Rondell discovered my bad habit this weekend...cup hoarding. I have to have a cup of water when I go to bed and most times I forget to bring the cup down in the morning. Here's a look at the cups that he brought down (I don't think you can see the green one in the back and he even left one upstairs):

{3} Katie has done it again...she has shown me how to make something from scratch and can it. This weekend we made cherry pie filling and it is oh-so yummy. I wish I could give you clear instructions, but this was more of a guesstimate-type process. Overall we boiled the fresh (and already pitted) cherries with sugar, drained the cherries allowing the juice to go into a bowl (just put the colander in a bowl), whisked together corn starch and the juice (not all of the juice...this was part of the guessing), added cherries back in, stirred, and canned!

Here are some pictures of the process:

Bucket 'o cherries.

Boiling cherries and sugar.

Getting the jars nice and hot.

Goodness in a jar.

{4} I realized this weekend that orange Kool-Aid is indeed my favorite flavor...grape is a close second.

{5} I think this is going to be the week of putting stuff away...there are dishes that need to be put away, stamping supplies to be put away, toiletries to be put away, towels to be put away, toys to be put away... The house seems cluttered right at the moment and must be tackle right away.

Thanking God on Friday!

** Sorry there was no To Do Thursday...the workshop took all of my time yesterday. It will return next week because I know that all of you are on the edge of your seats wanting to know what I've gotten done.

~ I am thankful that my workshop went smoothly and that people enjoyed themselves. I'm thankful that my friends came out to support me and helped me to get through my first workshop (I'll post about it on Tuesday).

~ I am thankful for my prayer warrior friends. It's encouraging to know that there are people praying for me through good and not-so-good times, to lift me up, and to hold me accountable.

~ I am thankful for my friend Katie. She is going to help me make cherry pie filling tomorrow and I can't wait. This will be the second time Katie has helped me make something from scratch (see the first time here).

~ I am thankful for self awareness and conviction. This week I've had a lot of talks with myself and there are some things that have been revealed to me that need to change or be reevaluated. This is all good stuff to me because it makes me keep my priorities in order. I think it's good from time to time to stop, look at yourself and say "what am I doing?"

Wordless Wednesday - Nothing Like a Good Read!

For more WW stop by my friend Tanya's blog.

New Email

Hello Friends. I now have a new email address...kelliskrafts@yahoo.com

Stop by and say hello!

Kelli's Krafts

Hello Friends. The card I am featuring today is one that I made while trying to see different color combinations (using my Color Coach...LOVE it) with the stamp pads that I have currently. I also wanted to use one of the stamps I received with my Demo Kit. Here's what I came up with:

The stamp set that I used was Watercolor Trio and the colors that I used were Rich Razzleberry and Tempting Turquoise (both from the Brights Collection). I actually stamped the Rich Razzleberry flower onto my grid paper first and then stamped the image onto my card to make it softer.

I almost always add something to the inside of a card. Here I simply stamped one of the images from the front of the card to tie it all together.

This card was so simple and took me about 5 minutes (which is sometimes all that I have when a 3 year old is pulling on my arm and I need to get things together for the next day)! Quick, easy, and fun!

miscellany monday - first edition

1. This is my first time participating in Carissa's linky party. I thought I'd try something new and this always looks so interesting. Plus I think Carissa is a sweetheart and would love to support her.

2. Being at home sick today is not doing well for my addiction to soap operas. I had it down to just Y&R (can you believe the Phyllis is leaving Nick?), but then today...while on the couch I got sucked back into As the World Turns. Why is Holden marrying Molly, why is Katie a widow...who died, is Lily in cahoots with Craig, and why are there so many bad hair weaves? I need this headache to go away so I can get back on the wagon of only ONE soap.

3. So when you see LOL, do you say "laugh out loud" or "LOL"...I say LOL.

4. I just realized that Jamison has six more weeks until school starts...SIX. I have to start getting school clothes and supplies pronto. And I also want to make her another bookbag tag like I did last year (see it here).

5. Note: Don't let your child eat lunch before entering a pool. It could result in your child choking on water (like when they put their mouth under and get a little gulp of water) and then vomiting in said pool...and getting the evil eye as the pool has to be shut down because of this. Not cool!

Link up and show us your random...here (or click the button that I just discovered how to add!)

Thanking God on Friday...Take Two!

~ I am thankful for this performance...here. My church performs this sometimes (though it is not my church that is in the video) and I know it has been performed nationwide. This performance makes me cry every time...like the Oprah ugly cry.

Enjoy...I hope the link works.

Thanking God on Friday!

~ I am thankful that the LeBron James decision is over (even though I love him). Now back to our regularly scheduled programming!

~ I am thankful for a successful attempt at a new recipe...hummus (thanks Lyndsey).

Combine:
15oz can chickpeas, rinsed
1 clove garlic (I used minced garlic out of a jar)
1/4 olive oil
2 tbs fresh lemon juice (who am I kidding...my plastic lemon friend works just fine)
1 tsp cumin
Sprinkle of salt
1/4 tsp paprika

Blend all ingredients, minus paprika (if it is too think you can add a little water). I love my little chop and grind.

Place in bowl (with a plastic spoon...cuz that's how I roll), top with paprika (I forgot) and serve with pita, pita chips, or tortilla chips. You can also drizzle with more oil if desired.

It was easy & delicious!

~ I am thankful that some of my Small Group ladies were able to get together last night for prayer. We started doing this every other week after reading the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. The book is written by the pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle, Jim Cymbala. This church is a prayer centered church and his book discusses the power and necessity of prayer, including group prayer. Our time together always turns out to be a rewarding and refreshing evening.

~ I am thankful that my Stampin Up! up-line, Lisa, took the time to go over ideas for my upcoming workshop and SU in general.

To Do Thursday!

Friends, this week was pretty much a bust! The only thing that I completed on my list was figuring out the cards to make for my workshop (one more week!!!). Other than that...nothing. But that's OK...I'm going to pick myself up and move on with a new week!

This Week's To Do List

1. Make hummus. I actually plan on making this tonight for my prayer group. I'll post the recipe tomorrow (thanks Lyndsey!).

2. Clean Caleb's room...again, cleaning out all of the old toys and then taking them to church on Sunday.

3. Finalize everything for my workshop...cutting paper, organizing the flow of the workshop, making samples, trying not to freak out, creating door prizes.

4. Clean under my kitchen sink.

Here's to hoping this week is much more productive than last week!

Wordless Wednesday - Pool Fun!

Head over to Tanya's for more Wordless Wednesday.

Comments...Where Are You?

For some reasons my comments are not showing up. I can see that people are commenting because they are popping up in my email but not showing on posts...sigh! Has this happened to any of you?

Sending Happy Birthday Love

***Edited to participate in PPA55 Color Challenge.

I recently made this card for my step mom Renee for her birthday. This was the first card that I made after receiving my newest Stampin Up! items for signing up as a demonstrator. This year SU revamped its color combinations, removing old colors and adding new colors...and I am in love.

For this card I used Daffodil Delight (my new favorite color), Melon Mambo (a returning In Color), and Tempting Turquoise card stock and ink (and Melon Mambo ribbon)...all from the Brights Collection.

The stamp set that I used is the one I'm going to feature at my workshop next week...Pocket Silhouettes. The Happy Birthday sentiment is from a retired set and then I punched it out using the Modern Label Punch. I also used the Scallop Edge Border Punch to add a nice border.

Happy Stamping!

The Simple Woman's Eveningbook - Monday, July 5, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...dark and warm. We went to Cleveland today so I'm just now getting a chance to do my Monday post.

I am thinking...about the WONDERFUL 4th of July weekend that we had.

Gorgeous weather...check.

First up...the 4th of July Parade:

The kids were excited...and hot.

Gotta get the chairs ready...I love these little chairs. This one is my friend Amber's son's chair...Go Bucks!

Lyndsey and I getting our cameras ready!

Gotta get the perfect spot.

Here come the fire trucks...let the parade begin.

What's a parade without the clowns?

Caleb...I never did figure out why he was so mesmerized.

Next up...Food, Fun & Fireworks:

Got to hang out with lots of friends, including these two lovely ladies...Marja and Kim. Marja has been my friend for years, one of my best friends, and Kim & I met through blogging and realized we attend the same church...she's the sweetest!

Marja & Mila getting ready for the fireworks.

Mila & Jamison waiting some more for the fireworks...that was the hardest part of the evening, waiting for them to start. But, once they did...

Day Two took us to our friends Jason and Angela's for a cookout and a dip in the pool:

Then we headed to my in-laws to hang out with family and see the newest member of the clan...baby Quincy!

Day Three took us to Cleveland to see some of our favorite people:

We stopped by to say hello to my homie Kristina. We've been friends since the 3rd grade and I love her like a sister! The kids liked being there because Miss Linda gave them Popsicles.

We also got to see my dear friend Tanysha and her family. They were in town from Georgia and she asked us to come up and see them. Tanysha is another friend who is just like a sister to me.

Here are Caleb and Tanysha's son Marcus.

We also got to surprise these two:

My dad and Renee had no idea we were coming!

I am praying...still to be able to adjust to our new schedule. We've been pretty busy lately and I'm praying that this week we can sit down and figure out a good system. Order just helps me function...it just does.

I am reading...nothing. Same as last week, I haven't made the time. I have a book on reserve by James Patterson that I'm going to pick up tomorrow. I'm determined to get some reading done this week...I miss it.

From the kitchen...I haven't even thought about meals for this week!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Well since I got nothing productive done this weekend (but well worth it I must say...we had a GREAT weekend) I plan on tackling my To Do list and figuring out a good routine for us for the summer.

Tell me about you...here.