Counting our Blessings

You will recognize these trees from less windy times.

When all had passed, the moon made an appearance.

This morning

Still praying for everyone.

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Learning from Nature

A continuously happy life produces extremely unhappy consequences. In nature we see that there are not always pleasant springs and fruitful summers, and sometimes autumn is rainy and winter cold and snowy, and there is flooding and wind and storms, and moreover the crops fail and there are famine, troubles, sicknesses and many other misfortunes.  All of this is beneficial so that man might learn through prudence, patience and humility. For the most part, in times of plenty he forgets himself, but in times of various sorrows he becomes more attentive to his salvation.

St. Ambrose

Praying for all who are awaiting the storms ahead, or already being affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Lord Have Mercy.

Be Safe Everyone.

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I was featured!

What an honor! 

My project on stenciled curtains, was featured on 

Knock Off Decor.

Thanks Beckie! Please go and check out her site!

It's a great place to share!

White Pumpkin Centerpiece

We went to a beautiful function last year that had harvest-inspired wedding decor.  

Look how pretty.

Pretty things make me smile, hope it gives you one too!

How sweet would this be as a Thanksgiving centerpiece?

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Striped Crochet Baby Blanket

This is a past project completed.

For some reason, 

I presently have two baby blankets for friends and family that are in the works, 

and I'm not sure why, but boy are they moving so slow.

The patterns are not difficult, you will recognize this from the project started this summer.

Yes, I did say this summer! 

The one below was a simple single crochet and changing yarn every few rows to create the pattern.

It was really soft and had such a nice weight to it, depends on the kid, but some like that.

I know that they even quilt blankets with weights in them.

I really need to learn to sew.

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So much for Fall Decor

I've already shared how much I like outdoor fall decor.

We have our pretty fall wreath and every year I hang dried corn.

I've had one set of dried different colored corn for many years.

I love the pretty colors.

It has kept so well and why change something that works well.

We had pumpkins sitting outside and I was deciding on their display. 

In the meanwhile, just appreciating their natural simplicity.

Someone else was appreciating their natural beauty too!

Look how much!

When I say appreciating, I mean really APPRECIATING!

What's left of my beautiful corn, 

two different displays taken right off the hooks on the walls!

I hope it doesn't make them sick,

yet Hijinks seems no worse for wear.

I have never had a squirrel eat through a pumpkin?

They are on a mission around here.

How are things around you?

Smores Angry Bird Cake

Usually I make the cake from scratch, including all the icing. 

Last year, I was feeling overwhelmed and ordered the base of the cake from a big box store.

Then we followed our tradition of decorating the cake together.

This year the decision was chocolate and from a mix.

I wanted to add something special and for the cake to be a little thicker/dense.

What I did to accomplish this was mix, cake and brownie.

Followed the directions for each, then mixed them and baked. It worked exactly right.

For the something special, I wanted to make it a smores cake, I did this by adding a layer of marshmallow creme, icing and angry bird graham crackers.

Then added the second layer and iced again.

We then had fun decorating with angry bird figures and candy.

To make the pig structure, 

we used mini Kit Kat and mini Aero bars, 

both imported from Canada, as these are peanut-free there.  

(Not made in factory that also processes peanut products)

I thought about using the Toothpicks to help with the cake decoration. But then decided to just use the game we already had.
The yellow bird is on a stick to make him look like he's flying!

After the candles were out, then bomber bird was flung, the cake was cut.

A hit!

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Also shared here.

A new game?

We recently were gifted something special from a sweet parishioner.

It has quickly become a favorite in the family. 

Isn't it cute?

And yes, it's real.

There appears to be a new game in our house.

Target...Mom

Can you tell what the game is?

Well, my lovely family thinks it's hysterical to place this little fellow

in lots different places to surprise me!

And yes, I will admit,

when reaching for the water for the lunch box, 

this did get me!

Aaaahh!

I'm starting to fear opening closets, drawers, etc.

 I never know where it will turn up next?

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Outdoor Fall Decor

As you may have guessed, I like front yard decor. 

I also love outdoor fall decor and harvest themes.  

I really appreciate when people put the effort into it.

But simple is sometimes even better.

Check out how some folks around town have been decorating.

Symmetry

So beautiful! 

All the colors, and the combination of her summer ivy, 

with the addition of the fall elements.

Sweet idea. 

Just one thing strikes me.  

I believe what it is, 

is that the girl doll doesn't look as happy? 

What do you think?

This is one of my fave's. Flat pumpkins leaning against a rock.

Genius!

Last, but certainly not least!

Our good friend decided to grow her own, on their front lawn garden.

Simple and elegant at the same time.

Don't you love how the vine climbs down the hill.

I wish I had taken a picture from the front, the spirals and flow are truly beautiful.

Just makes me smile!

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Angry Bird Party Slingshot

Making the slingshot, not as difficult or as costly, as I had initially thought it might be.

Used 2 boxes (6 tension elastic exercise bands) found for $5 each box and had 2 bungee cords and last used a mesh laundry bag from the dollar store for the middle.

Wrapped bungee cords around the trees, tied double bands to bungee cord then to red band, which was in turn tied to laundry bag.  Made two holes on each side so it made a small basket/cradle for the birds.

This was fun for young and old.

It also turned out to be fun exercise, 

pulling the tension on the slingshot and of course going and gathering up the birds and pigs after complete annihilation was achieved and then setting up for another round.
You look over here to meet the rest of the birds and pigs.

This was so much fun.  

Kids had a great time, and we did it again for our church youth group. 

It's easy to set up for us now, 

and when the weather is good, we have taken it out several times to play. 

It's a great way for some family fun and to get the kids off the electronic game. 

Another plus was we were able to incorporate some physics/critical thinking discussion into it and no one was the wiser (shhh!) We were just having fun-right??

Do I hear a cheer for fresh air!

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Surprise in the Pumpkin Field

It's fall and time for pumpkin picking and corn mazes. 

We picked a great day and joined our youth group. What a fun time together! 

The kids led the way and then came back to get some of us parents out.

Thank Goodness at least one Dad was able to keep up with them.

Look who else was in the field!

 If you've been following, you will understand our affinity for this fellow.

What a great idea!

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An Autumn Evening

An Autumn Evening 

                                              

Dark hills against a hollow crocus sky

Scarfed with its crimson pennons, and below 

The dome of sunset long, hushed valleys lie

Cradling the twilight, where the lone winds blow 

And wake among the harps of leafless trees 

Fantastic runes and mournful melodies. 

The chilly purple air is threaded through

With silver from the rising moon afar,

And from a gulf of clear, unfathomed blue

In the southwest glimmers a great gold star

Above the darkening druid glens of fir

Where beckoning boughs and elfin voices stir.

And so I wander through the shadows still,

And look and listen with a rapt delight, 

Pausing again and yet again at will

To drink the elusive beauty of the night, 

Until my soul is filled, as some deep cup, 

That with divine enchantment is brimmed up. 

Lucy Maud Montgomery

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You many recognize these trees.

Spiders

Has anyone else noticed the increase in spiders this year? They have been more plentiful and HUGE!

Almost feel like I need to call Animal Control.  Reports are that it's because of the weather. 

This one, (I think an Orb Weaver) builds a new web each evening, check out those spinnerets!
I think it's a nocturnal feeder?

The web is incredible.

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Meet our Angry Birds and pigs

I painted these free-hand using craft paint.

Tip, start with beak or snout, then eyes.

Red Bird

Yellow Bird

Blue Birds

Meet the Pigs. King Pig, Helmut Pig, Grandpa Pig and Piggy Pig
You may see some pen ink also, Birthday Boy wanted to help.
Hey- I can't have all the fun!
For more fun about the birds and party, check here.


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Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

In Honour (not misspelt) of our Canadian Cousins.

Meet Joe Canada.


Disclaimer: This is not a promotion to drink alcohol, of any brand.
This commercial stirred Canadian nationalism as an Affirmation.
In 2000, it was rumored to be pulled by the government and censored for promoting too much nationalism?  They didn't want to upset other countries, very Canadian.



Noteworthy Canadians: Lorne Greene, Martin Short, Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, Diana Krall, Ryan Gosling, Matthew Perry, Cobie Smulders, Bryan Adams, Dan Ackroyd, Kurt Browning, Dave Foley, Michael J Fox, Sandra Bullock, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Neil Young, Margeret Atwood, Keanu Reeves, Donald Sutherland, Raymond Burr, Wayne Gretzky, Rick Moranis, John Candy, Monty Hall, Tim Horton, Paul Coffey, Peter Jennings, Howie Mandell, and more.
Henry Woodward, who invented the electric light bulb in 1874 and sold the patent to Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876.

For more interesting Canadians, click here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Heureux d'action de grâces!

Leftover Mashed Potatoes? What to do?

Potato Bread of course!

I extremely dislike throwing out/wasting food.  My dilemma is my family dislikes leftovers.

What to do, what to do? Well, find ways to incorporate former meals into new ones.

If you have a little bit of mashed potatoes leftover, not enough for another meal, you can use them to make bread for the next day.  Takes less than 3 hours.

What you need:

1/2c to 1cup of mashed potato

1 package active dry yeast

1 1/4 cup water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar
1 tsp butter

3-4 cups bread flour

Make your yeast the normal way, 1/2 cup warm water and little sugar.

Then, add mashed potato and remainder of water.

Add flour and incorporate with wooden spoon and then knead for about 10 minutes and then into shaped dough ball.

Allow to rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.

Punch down, knead again for 2 minutes.

Rub a little butter over top, 

place on buttered or greased pan.  

Allow to rise again for 30 minutes.

Then sprinkle or brush a little water over top and cut cross shape into center of loaf.

Approximately 1/4 inch in depth.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Cut and enjoy!

Something yummy, fresh and warm from the oven.

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Hey-I was featured!

SWEET!

I was featured for the first time! 

Thanks Jennifer Rizzo!

What a nice surprise today.

It was for my post on Easy-peasy-appetizers!

In honor of this honor, I added a new page.

(Giddy excitement)

Easy flag banner

Flag banners are all the rage, for our most recent celebration, 
I wanted to add some to the backyard tree line.  Something fun, something colorful, something cheap, something not too time-consuming.  

Have I mentioned before my sewing skills are minimal, I'm sure I have.  
It's on my to-do list.  

I've made fabric banners in past, 
I will admit last one was made with stitching glue, 

yes, stitching glue and proud of it!

It worked just right.

  

I use that flag banner on almost every family celebration and sometimes just for fun.

Anyway, back to this years decorations, needed something not time or cost consuming, after looking at some options decided on my materials.  

Scissors, hole puncher, paper cutters,
 twine from hardware store and colorful cardstock paper.  

First I measured the trees the easiest way I could, 

I tied one end of twine to one side and strung it across to the other tree.  

Cut the twine.  
I cut the cardstock into triangles as large as possible and making two on each sheet. 

It went pretty fast.

Then using hole puncher, punched two large holes on each and passed twine through each. Day of event we strung them up and spaced the flags apart, placed a paperclip so they wouldn't twirl or move side to side.  They turned out pretty good.  Added the color needed,  for under $8.

Then while I strung them and when it was time to take down and then re-string for a later occasion, used a piece of cardboard to wind it up and keep it from tangling.

The birds and pigs made more of the decorations, as well as the Birdy Bags and the Birthday water and the Toothpicks.

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Shared here.

Angry Bird Goody Bags

Many things found in bulk at dollar store (straw, bubbles, punchy ball, and popper), and got very lucky to find the water balloon slingshot on clearance at the grocery store, whoohoo! You can see our memo pads and added little minipens and some healthy-type snacks. Kids also added more candy found during a "Golden Egg Hunt". The bag faces were downloaded and cut out from here. They posted fantastic templates which you can also use on balloons, or balls or bags or to make props/masks. 

Childhood is a blessed time, and we plan on making it fun!

We appreciate if you could also take a look at this post too. Thank you so much!