Well we have less boxes around the house that need to be unpacked. The house is starting to feel like a home. I have so many projects that run through my head but I complete none of them. I have tried a "just do it" attitude. Now I sit here wondering "What will I do next?". Do I just clean, should I unpack a few more boxes, should I start a project? After Christmas we plan to redo the bathroom. My father has given us a whirlpool tub. I currently have a clawfoot tub. I have always wanted a clawfoot tub. They are so classic and elegant. Now that I have one I dislike it; it does feel elegant at all. It is raised up off of the floor so high, when stepping out of the tub you almost need a parachute because it is such a big step down onto the floor. The overflow valve is not hooked up, the shower curtain surrounding the tube is rigged in an ugly fashion and the shower head is not mounted. Not only that but there is not even flooring under the tub. The tub is sitting on floor joyces. As a matter of fact, the whole floor in the bathroom need to be replaced. I sure hope that we can do this all in one day. I do not want to have to go without a bathroom. Thank God for the second half bath that is down in the basement.

So we bought a house. It is a "Fixer-upper". I have always wanted to restore a house. I prefer older homes, they have such charm and history. Most people would think that this would be a joyous moment for me. Instead, I find myself crying on a daily basis. I have no carpentry skills. I am not a plumber. I am having a hard time cleaning this place; I am afraid of removing too much of the dirt for fear something might fall apart. I have way too much stuff that I have moved into the house, leaving mountains and mountians of boxes stacked high. I am so overwhelmed. What did I get myself into? I have loved ones that stop the crying; they keep telling me that it will be okay. One task at a time, one box at a time it gets better. I will try to post before and after pictures. That may be a task that is too much, perhaps it will all come together before I even realize that there is an after (or a before). Oh did I mention that we have no money. If I had money maybe everything would be okay. We can't even afford to make repairs, even if we did know how. For now I will go clean the windows in the living room. I hope the glass stays in the panes.

Teacher Gifts

I made these cute Candy Bar Sliders for the children to give to thier teachers on the first day of school. I got the idea from a youtube video. Thanks Dawn! When I figure out how to add links and videos I will feature it in my Fave. For now I can give you my version of the Recipe.

The video tutorial I got the idea from used Stamping Up materials but I used:

6 x 6 white cardstock

5 x 6 patterned paper

2 x 4 white cardstock

ribbon

stamps or other items to decorate with.

I scored the white cardstock at 1/4" and 3 1/4". I also did this for the patterned paper. Make sure to score the patterned paper on the 6" side not the 5" side. I then took the patterned paper and adhered it to the white cardstock aligning the score lines together. Next I creased the score lines. I then ran my atg along the outside of the 1/4 crease. At this point I wrapped the cardstock around fastening together. I decorated the 2 x 4 cardstock with an apple stamp and crayons. I figured it fit for the "back to school/teacher theme". Of course, it can be decorated to suit. Adhere the 2x4 piece to the wrapper. Next punch a hole; I just used a hand punch. Then I threaded the ribbon through. Finally slide the Hershy candy bar into the slider and ribbon. Tie the ribbon into a prettyful bow and make another person smile!

On another set that I did not take a picture of, I added a layer of red cardstock under the 2x4 white stamped cardstock. I also used my Martha Stewart Corner Punches. They looked extra fancy, I wish I had taken a picture of those to share.

Mad Katter Tea Party

This year we are having a Sweet 16 party for my daughter. It will be a mad hatter tea party taken from the Alice in Wonderland story. Her name is Kat, hence the name Mad Katter Tea Party. We booked a hall and a band. This is one of the decorations that I made. The hat is from A Childs First Year Cricut Cartridge. I inked the edges of the band on the hat and mad the 10/6 tag by hand. The hat pins are a wondedrful addition from my BFF using wire, beads and glue dots. She is so crafty! She also added the flowers and gems. I love her for so many reasons. Thanks Candy! She also told me that Hatters used to go crazy from all of the mercury that was in the materials used to make hats and that is where the phrase "mad as a hatter" came from. Who Knew!!??

I never did get a chance to show off all of my completed projects and goodies for my Journal Swap that I was in so long ago. I told you all I had alot of catching up to do. Thanks for looking. I will have to show the journal that I received as well.

So I have alot of catching up to do. I almost feel like I am typing in a freenzy right now. I was blocked from blogging or viewing other blogs while at work. Now before you start rolling your eyes, please understand that we are allowed to surf the internet. Without being able to explain, it's kinda encouraged as long as the content is work appropriate. I do have a lot of down time while on the job so this is when I do my blogging. I guess IT has been gracious and is allowing me to blog again and released the block.

I want to share some of the things I have been working on. First off, I want to show off my first blackberry cobbler. I have never made this before and I'm kinda proud of it. We all went and picked blackberries right off the bush. The boys had so much fun. They love going to Aunt Debbie's house to pick berries and collect eggs. The recipe was also compliments of Aunt Debbie. It is called a "creeping crust cobbler". Very easy, so easy even I could do it!

Feature My Fave

I have this idea. I spend so much time reading everyone elses blogs that I often neglect mine. Sometimes I really don't have anything to blog about. I worked all weekend and really can't talk about much when it comes to that. Boy I sure did have a chance to get lost in blog land (life is tough, I know). So my idea is to feature a favorite blog. I may even feature my favorite you tube videos also. I am still trying how to do that (any tips would be appreciated). So when I see something that I just love I will share it here with you. Some things may be specifically in mind for my sister. She too is an artistic genius.

Speaking of my sister and her artistic ability, I think I will make her my first feature.

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