A Whole Lotta Love

 I was so inspired by this, found at  Daisy's Are My Favorite Flower, that I just had to make my own!  Her hearts are so lovely and romantic with cursive stitching no less!

I created a swag across my stairway railing using red and pink tulle.  Then, I tied the swags off with a tulle bow and attached the felt hearts at the center.  I really enjoyed working with the felt.  It's great stuff since it doesn't wrinkle or unravel (unlike some other fabrics that will remain nameless!)  And since it's so inexpensive what's not to love??

Adding more love into my home, my parents came to visit us this weekend and they brought me this dollhouse.  My dad, a hobby woodworker, put it together for me.  My hubby bought it as a kit for me many years ago and I gave up assembling it after a few attempts.  I just knew that fabric and yarn were more of my thing!  My dad said he enjoyed putting it together and it's so much more meaningful being made by him.

The interior, however, is still unfinished (that's where I come in!)  It looks a bit rough with the unfinished floors and walls.  But, I had some used dollhouse furniture in some boxes that were just a whole lotta fun to arrange inside this quaint little country victorian!

My favorite find was an antique sewing machine (on the dresser) and a sewing basket complete with working scissors!   It sort of felt like moving day setting up the furniture!  Oh, I am imaging all sorts of possibilities to soften and dress up the rooms.

It was wonderful to be with my parents as well as "play" with my new dollhouse.

Blessings!

The Calm After the Storm

This morning dawned bright and clear after our winter storm.  My boys are home for the 3rd day and we are still waiting for the snow plow to clear our road.  Today will be an icy, cold day with temperatures climbing up tomorrow.  I am so ready for some warm weather!  My muscles are aching from all the shoveling yesterday.  What a workout it was!  Thankfully, the strong males in my house did most of the work!

Pink Primrose

 This primrose blooming in my little greenhouse gives me hope that spring will come with all of its beauty.  In the meantime I have been working on a Valentine's Wreath.  I was so inspired by this that I set out to make one for my front door.  If you go to the link she has a wonderful tutorial on how to make it with clear photos.

Supplies

 I started with a larger wreath than she did since my front door is a good size.  I bought the 18" straw wreath at Michael's.  The other supplies I bought at JoAnn's.  I bought 1/2 yard of felt in white, baby pink and red.  The ribbon and tulle I am using for a different project that I will reveal next (if everything goes well today!)  It was good to keep my hands busy while the storm was raging.  It was also good to try something new to chase my winter blues away.

So, here it is!

Valentine's Wreath

 Thank you Sarah, from Best Bites, for sharing this!  Their website is just loaded with awesomeness!  I invite you to take a look if you haven't before.

Blessings!

Adoption

Holt International

About 6 months ago I began supporting a chinese baby girl who didn't have a mommy or daddy to care for her through Holt International.  They are a Christian organization specializing in orphanages and international adoption.  My chinese girl's picture has been on my refrigerator since I received it and I've been praying for her to be placed in a loving, godly family.  Well, just last week, I received a letter saying she had been adopted by an American family.  While I was glad my prayers were answered I was also a little sad I wasn't a part of her life anymore.  Thankfully, Holt gave me another girl, about 10 years old from Nepal, who I can support.  She sounds like a sweet girl who loves school and her friends.  It is a rewarding experience to be a part of these girls lives even though we live so far away.  Isn't it wonderful how God gives you room in your heart to love more people?  What a joy!

Blessings!

What Little Boys are Made Of

Puppies have been on my mind lately.  Last week I used up the last of my puppy fabric here and I was happy to find more at JoAnns over the weekend.  Actually, it is slightly different than the one I had but oh so adorable I think.  With just one yard I made a swaddler, burp cloth and bib.  The swaddler is lined with white flannel and the other two have white chenille on the backside.  So, what is it about puppies and boys?  It was captured beautifully in this English nursery rhyme . . .

 What are little boys made of?

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails

And puppy-dogs' tails,

That's what little boys are made of.

What are little girls made of?

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice

And everything nice,

That's what little girls are made of.

 

I wish I could have found some sweet girl fabric this weekend but no such thing.  

 

Speaking of puppies, I don't think I've introduced you to our dog Snickers before.  Here is a picture of our youngest (at 1 1/2) grooming him . . .

I don't think Snickers knew what to think about this new experience.   He was an unclaimed stray and my hubby was more than happy to call him our own.  He's a wonderful dog but his only downfall is HE IS SUPER EXCITABLE around any human being.  He is such a loyal pooch who loves to be petted and played with.  You know the scripture "pray w/o ceasing?"  Well, Snickers motto is "pet me forever."  I suppose boys and puppies are alike in there ability to be messy and mischievous.  My boys have been guilty on both counts!!  Ha ha!  But, aren't they so much fun, too??

Blessings!

 

 

Sunday Scripture

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1722

"Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants

You have ordained strength . . ."

Psalm 8:1

Baby Blessings

I have been enjoying sewing some more baby gifts.  Just before Christmas my youngest son's classmates welcomed 2 new babies into their homes.  A boy and a girl gift were on my list!  A ribbon blanket and set of burp cloths seemed perfect for each.

Ribbon Blanket and Burp cloths for a new girl.

Ribbon Blanket and Burp Cloths for a new boy.

I also was asked to make a shower gift for a new baby coming soon into our family.  Puppies seemed just the right thing to make into a swaddler, burp cloth and bib.

Puppy's Galore

We are in a winter freeze today; just perfect for staying indoors where it's warm. 
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Sunday Scripture

"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

To turn one away from the snares of death."

Proverbs 14:27