flower power

I have flower envy. I all started when It laid eyes on a EmersonMade flower. I think they are incredible. How ever EmersonMade is way out of my budget.

I have been experimenting with making my own hand made flowers. They are a lot simpeler then EmersonMade, but friendlier to my wallet

right top; pink shabby chic. center; black petaled flower.

left center; white lily pad. bottom right & left; white shabby chic

This flower is the closest to an EmersonMade as I could get (it was the hardest to make). I made it medium sized so I could wear it in my hair or as a broach. I found the tutorial at

100 layer cake.

More back yard shenanigans

I was without my van today plus we had freinds over, my brother-in-law Luke and my nephew Logan. When you add my five kids that make 7 kid ten and under and me. Only one of me and seven of them. WHAT TO DO? WHAT TO DO?... Throw them out side and lock the door so they can't get back in. If you think I'm joking, think again. Luckily today was lovely. Warm, with a gentle breezy and lot of sun. The kids as well as myself loved it.

I bought Mr. Tripp a hammock about two year ago and we just got it hung up this summer. I hung it in the shad under the maple tree. I love the view I have in the hammock. The under side of the leafs as the sun shines thru. My dirt covered feet as they fly up and down thru the air and my hammock buddy, Penny. She love to nurse as we sway back and forth. I spent a lot of my time out there today.

PJ filling up the wheel barrel with water to take to the back yard. Please note his eye protection.

He used the water to make a home made water slide.

They thought it was great. And good news no one got hurt.

Plus I got three loads of laundry hung on the line.

*****

I did unlock the door... eventually.

back yard shenanigans

We had a great evening in our back yard today.

Bon Fire.

Smores.

Swinging.

And oh yes sledding.

LAWN MOWER SLEDDING.

Don't call social services yet.

Mr. Tripp tightly ties the sleds to the back of the lawn mower and SLOWLY drags the kids around the back yard. They love it. Laughing and squealing as Mr. Tripp drove circles around the yard.

dish washer on strike

I have been almost a whole week with a working dish wash. Is it to late to renegotiate the terms of my contract?

reduce reuse REPURPOSE

I love to bargain shop at thrift stores. Repurposing is the name of the game. A couple of months ago I picked up an ottoman for $10. I knew I could make it into something beautiful.

This is what it looked like when I bought it.

After I removed the silver and black fabric I found this. next I removed the legs so I could recover it.

I bought some gorgeous uplustery fabric at jo-anns, and cut it so that it would wrap around the ottoman top. I also serged around the edge so that my fabric wouldn't fray.

I added an extra layer of fluff to the top.

next I warped the fabric over the ottoman top and extra fluff then stapled away.

I knew this fabric was what I wanted at first sight. $35.00 a yard. WOW! I had a coupon.

I had enough fabric left over to make a matching pillow. Put your feet up and stay a spell.

Hello bob!

My hair hade become unruly. It was a mess! No joke, I probably had 3 inches of split ends. So I did what any woman in hair distress does, I called my stylist. Jessica. I love what she can do with my hair. After assessing the damage Jessica said the dead ends need to go. GREAT! I have been wanting to cut my hair off anyways. I really, really, really want a pretty pixie cut but opted for a bob in stead (less shock for Mr. Tripp). Jessica worked her magic. She cut and thinned and cut some more. Plus she's great to talk to. We gab about kids, church, sisters, bothers, vacations, it's wonderful. The girl talk might be my favorite part of going to see her. After the scissor were put away and my cape came off I was left with a adorably styled bob.

I LOVE IT!

Thanks Jessie.

Happy Birthday Ella Marta

My sweet and sassy Ella is 4 today.

left; Ella wanted a pink and orange flower cake. I did my best.

right; her new favorite toy my pal Scout

left; Ella and Penny and their matching puppies. Penny got her puppy for her birthday and Ella really wanted it so Grammy June delivered.

right; momma and the birthday girl

4 years ago today God made me a mother for the forth time and I didn't even know it. A tiny baby girls was born in Guatemala and God had a plan for her and for me. Every birthday I feel so blessed by my childeren but on Ella Birthday I feel just a little more blessed. I am amazed by Gods work on this special day. I am in awe of the grandness of his plan. A family in Michigan... A baby girls in Guatemala... A birthmother who's love for her child is unimaginable. And it all brought together for His glory.

AMAZING!

Today I celebrate Ella, but I can't help but wonder who is mourning today. I think of Antonia allot (Ella's birthmother). Of the chooses she made. I wonder how hard it was for her to come this decision. I wonder if she think of Ella, If her heart breaks for her. If she misses her. I pray for her.

I CELEBRATE Ella today. She is silly, wonderful, special. She is short with beautiful black hair and dark brown eyes. She is sweet and sassy. Very sassy. She is 4 today. Lets all CELEBRATE!

Mr. Tripp and I got calico critters for Ella. She loves them.

I love this birthday girl.

My Vacation day 6

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
John Muir

After dinner today we stopped at a beautiful city park that lays right on the edge of Smocky Mt. national Park. The sound of the flowing creek drowned out the city noise. It was peaceful, the kind of vacation I wished for. Stillness. Mr. Tripp and the big kids played in the creek as Penelope and I walked along the banks, picking up rocks and leafs. The paths were moss cover and the tree canopy domed over us. The large moss covered rocks told stories of creation. If I were to find God the first place I would look we be in the splendidness of nature. I became jealous of John Muir "The mountains are calling and I must go." He said.

We only stayed at the park an hour or so but being in my makers creations quenched my thirst and filled my soul.

day 6 dinos, burgers and goats

DAY 6

Today was busy!

First we hit the rainforest adventure zoo. The kids loved it. Feeding the goats was a big hit with the kids.

Penny had an extra special moment with a sweet baby goat.

Then it was off to get lunch. We ate at Five Guys, burgers and fries. It was really good.

*****

Finally we visited the Dinosaur walk museum. The kids liked it but I don't think it was worth the money.

Left; Ben was unsure of the dino's.

Right; Penny loved then all.

Left; Matt's on the menu

Right; Oh Mr. Tripp

Left; Ella's daily melt down, yes this happens every day.

Right; Ben finally got brave and got close to the dino's face.