Random Shenanigans

A cold drink on a hot, hot day.

{No words...ah-hem}

Isaac and his dinosaurs

Backyard hangin'

Titus and I...it was so windy this day

I never tire of a beach trip, even in the winter

Florida sunset

A Bates family favorite..."Spoons" {grin} Rob was our champion yet AGAIN this year (we don't boast or anything!).

"Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree"...Titus

A fun trip to Thomas Edison's house

"I'm the baby"...Isaac.

Isaac and Daddy

Hauling out our fresh compost from the chicken coop. GOLD, I tell ya!

It never ends, but I don't mind the labor of diapering little tushies. Someday I won't be diapering little tushies and I'll miss it. {smile}

Molly decided to help herself to the manger. Yep.

It's a fight for kitchen scraps around here, between the chickens, 2 dogs, and our worms.

Gardening

Our first bulk order of wheat and beans from Bread Beckers.

Order from Bulk Herb Store for some salve making, tinctures, teas, and smoothies.

One of the many tote bags I cranked out this Christmas for friends and family.

Christmas cards from family and friends

I pray you all had a blessed Christmas and New Year!

Facing My Fears...My Sewing Machine!
So, I've had this sewing machine (nothing fancy, mind you) since Rob and I got married. I've used it maybe 5 times, under supervision of my mother or mother-in-law, whom are both great seamstresses. I, on the other hand, am not. Well, that all changed this past week. I got out 'the beast' and was DETERMINED to teach myself, and I did. I was able to put together a simple skirt (that matched a previous one I had made) for Avonlea as well as two matching little bows for her hair (out of the same fabric). Again, nothing fancy, but it was a fun experience as Avonlea and I worked on it together. I did get out some scrap pieces of fabric so that she could give the machine a try and she loved it. The machine is in our schoolroom now and whenever the kids and I go in to do schoolwork, Avonlea is quick to ask if we can sew. :) Now, I'm working on a fun birthday banner for each child. One they can use every year and keep when they move out of the house.

So to all of those who own a sewing machine, but haven't tackled a simple project...I say, go for it! Once you start, you won't want to stop!

Our matching skirts

Admiring our work

Sewing 101

One of the things I've been wanting to try for months now is sewing clothing. I'm not exactly a "wiz" at the sewing machine, but I've used mine a few times. Through the help of my mom and mother-in-law whom are both expert seamstresses, they've helped me gain some basic knowledge of sewing and how to work the machine. Well, I thought I'd get clever and sew some of my own clothing to save some money, but to much surprise, it's actually more expensive (depending on the store though) to make your own clothing. By the time you buy the pattern (the one I bought...and it was 40% off...was $8.00), buy the fabric and notions for your piece, it's about the same as if you were to get a good deal at a store somewhere! I was quite sad about this because I really thought I could save some money and pick up a new hobby at the same time. Well, needless to say, I won't give up sewing. In fact, I'm in the process of finishing a skirt and making a matching one for Avonlea. However, I won't be buying many patterns or much fabric as often as I thought I would.

The picture above is of the skirt (my very first one) I started on Monday. The kids and I went up to my mom and dad's for the day, so we could visit and mom could help me start my skirt. All that's left is to add the elastic and sew the bottom hem. Then, I'll start tackling Avonlea's matching one. I don't have a pattern for hers so it could get interesting! I'll try to post pictures of the finished product(s).