Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Wii's have it

Image from Flickr

Both of my brothers' families received Wii's for Christmas and hubby was very sad so he bought one on Sunday. My life will never be the same. He has played for at least an hour every day and now he is complaining that his arms hurt....I wonder why? He did take ALL the games from the previous system to Game Station and sold them today so I am sure we will own some Wii games very soon. My husband loves gadgets. I hope this is one he will use for a very long time.

P. S. No animals were injured to create this post.

P.P.S. This is not our cat. She would have not part in posing for a photo of this nature.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Very Vintage Valentine Swap

I joined Heidi's Very Vintage Valentine Swap. She is still taking names. Go here to sign up! http://foxglovesfabricandfolly.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-timea-very-vintage-valentine.html

It looks like lots of fun!

Have you seen these?


These are cards from a website called flattenme.com. You send your child's photo and you can have a personalized book or invitations created. These are soooo cute! You can also create thank you notes. I may have to re-budget the birthday gift budget to create a book. Too bad there isn't a train book!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Christmas Photos







These are Aaron's photos for Christmas. Calotype does a great job! We love their photos. I think he is the cutest boy ever but I am a little biased. The top photo is Aaron with the train I received for Christmas when I was two. We won't go into how long ago that was :)
Check out their work http://calotype-photography.blogspot.com/ If you live any where close to Anderson, MO you need to visit them. If you do visit them, tell them I sent you!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Cutting the Christmas Tree

I thought I'd share a Christmas memory this morning.
Each winter, when my brothers' and I were kids, we traveled to my great-grandparent's farm in a small community about an hour away from home. I always hated the trip there because I am not a good traveler.
My great- grandpa would load us up in his pick-up and take us to a neighboring relatives property to find a tree. My brothers brought their wooden guns to shoot any bears they might encounter and they always discussed the ghosts that more than likely lived in the dilapidated building on the property.
We walked forever until we found the perfect trees to cut, load up and bring home.
Christmas was always a magical time. On Christmas day, my great-grandparents would come to us to have dinner and tell us stories. My Papo always told the story of the Christmas tree catching fire in the school house when he was a child and my Mamo would recite stories from a book. One year my parents made a tape recording of the stories. I was 11 when my Mamo died and 15 when my Papo died but I will always remember going to pick out the tree.
Now we have artificial trees mainly because of allergies.
What memories do you have of childhood Christmases?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Garland Party

The Nester http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/12/your-garland-is-showing.html gave a tutorial a few weeks ago on how to create a fab garland. I was inspired to update the living room look.
I used a semi cheap pre-lit garland (half off at Lowe's and super skinny!!), another cheap garland from my collection and a really great garland on a twig base that I have used for fall decorating in the past.

I added star light covers that I found in the ornament box and 1/2 price berry twigs from Lowe's and some sparkly pieces.



I put my Longaberger Holiday baskets on the mantel with a collection of deer I have had since I was little and a collection of santas that we started when we first married.




I also added an old window. I think it may need a wreath or a swag on it. What do you think?


Friday, December 5, 2008

Christmas Photo

I took A. for his Christmas photo today at our favorite place Calotype Photography in Anderson http://calotype-photography.blogspot.com/ If you live within driving distance, you seriously need to check them out! We won a family session there last fall and we loved them.

A. work up at 5 this morning and was in quite the mood when we went for photos at 10:30. Julie, the photographer, commented that "he is very kinnestic." He was in rare form. They will probably charge double the next time I book a session. He is active on a good day but today he was super hyped up and he only had milk and cereal for breakfast......no sugar in the cereal.
He is FINALLY asleep!!! Now maybe I can finish my monthly paperwork and get it sent to the office and then I am truly going to work on a garland for the fireplace. I was inspired by the nester .http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/12/garland-show-and-tell.html.....heaven knows I have enough of that stuff in the basement!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Out Sick

Image from Flicker.
We have had a nasty bug at our house for about a week now. Hubby got sick last Saturday and was sick for 5 days (lost 20 lbs!), then A. was sick on Thanksgiving and I was sick Friday and Saturday. I hope to get some decorating done today. We are so behind. We have scrubbed most of the house and washed lots of things. Hopefully this does not happen again this winter.
We had our first snow fall last night and this morning. Not a lot but it is pretty and cold!

Friday, November 21, 2008

A new friend

We took a short trip to Bella Vista this afternoon to pick up a set of dishes and a Longaberger Basket I found on Craigslist. I'll post a pick soon. They are the cutest white on white dishes and I got place settings for 11 for $10. It was a huge deal!

I was visiting with the lady and we discovered that we were both foster parents and she had just adopted her babies a few days after our adoption was finalized! I brought hubby and A. in to meet them. She was so nice and we had a good time visiting her and the babies. She asked if we could keep in touch. I hope we do. It's nice to make new friends who have similar experiences.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Homemade Christmas idea

My brother sent this to me earlier today and I just had to share it. It really makes you think twice about Homemade and Handmade.
My dear friends, Somewhat embarrassing to admit, Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers :

You need four maxi pads to make a pair.

Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.

The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.

Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.

Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing ), etc.

These slippers are:

* Soft and Hygienic

* Non-slip grip strips on the soles

* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh

* No more bending over to mop up spills

* Disposable and biodegradable

* Environmentally safe

* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.

I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Yippie!

I just sold my first tassel on Etsy! I sold this cutie here. Whew! Now I can order my January Longaberger fliers. We are trying so hard to stay on a budget and I am not suppose to use family money to fund my business.
I hope to add some new items this weekend.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Train Crazy

Just TRAIN Crazy!!!!!






Our little boy is just CRAZY for trains! This is what the living room looked like on Sunday night. Daddy built the track and A. had fun lining every train he owns up. Then he decided the track should be put together a different way.
My family is having a train themed adoption party for A. in a few weeks! He says it is a birthday train party.



The odd Alcove

We have this tiny alcove off the kitchen with a door to the side porch and the door to the basement. I was really tired of the plain wall so this is what we did. I had a window frame I rescued from the trash about 7 years ago. I am surprised that it moved with it because husband was not a big fan. He thinks my rescued projects are a bit weird. I asked him to cut a thin piece of plywood to size and we painted it with chalkboard paint and attached it to the back of the frame. I had distressed the frame several years ago. We attached it to the wall with screws so wit would be sturdy. I moved A's chair to the kitchen (it will keep him from dragging it all over when he wants to help me cook). I need to find a little bucket I have stashed and add the chalk to it. Now A can write while I cook and be a safe distance from the stove!
I'm not sure what to put above the shelf. Any suggestions? I have my booking basket collection on top of the shelf....I love the tiny baskets!!!
We made the "Bless our Home" sign with Uppercase Living decals. I'm not sure if this is the final home but I do like it here.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Great Pumpkin

This was the view from my windshield the week before Halloween. I drive by a little general store out in the middle of no where in McDonald Co. several times a month when I am making my visits. I noticed the pumplin when I drove by the other day. It was HUGE! I am posting the article from the local paper by my friend Kay Hively. I travel three counties and I never know what I might see. Makes the day more interesting!

Powell, Mo. -
Many people enjoy carving a pumpkin in October and November as they celebrate Halloween and the end-of-season harvest. And most carvings are of the traditional jack-o-lantern face.This year, a pumpkin carved into a jack-o-lantern graced the front porch of Sims’ Store, located four miles south of Powell in McDonald County. But this pumpkin / jack-o-lantern was a bit unusual, attracting great attention from people who passed by or shopped in the store.This pumpkin, which was grown by David D’Amico, weighed in at 1,041 pounds. Planted on May 1, the pumpkin was harvested on Oct. 3.D’Amico, who lives only a half mile from the general store, always raises pumpkins, but this year he got a really big one.According to Bob Meuhlebach, owner of the general store, D’Amico started out with a regular pumpkin patch, but one pumpkin seemed to be doing much better than the others. That prompted him to clear out all the others and nourish the “cream of the crop” pumpkin. When it reached maturity, D’Amico entered it in a pumpkin contest in Republic and walked away with second prize.When he walked away from the contest, D’Amico brought the pumpkin home but had no good place to show it off. He asked Meuhlebach if he could bring it up to the general store for people to see.“He brought it up in the back of his pickup,” Meuhlebach said, “and it was displayed there for three days. Lots of people came by to see it and take a picture.”After three days, however, D’Amico needed his vehicle.“We got a skid loader and lifted it off the pickup and put it on the porch,” Meuhlebach said.The big pumpkin stayed on the porch for several days getting lots of “lookers.” Much of the attention came from motorcyclists who ride past the general store, located at the junction of Missouri Highway 90 and Route E.Then, a couple of days before Halloween, Meuhlebach’s son, Monty, carved it into a jack-o-lantern.“We turn out the lights at dark,” Meuhlebach said, “and just leave the light in the pumpkin. It’s really noticed that way.”Sims’ Store is a popular stopping spot for people in that part of the county. Besides groceries, the Meuhlebachs also serve barbecue and sandwiches, as well as breakfast and lunch each day (their Wednesday noon special is cornbread and beans).Meuhlebach hopes the pumpkin will last until the weekend. It has been so popular that Meuhlebach hopes his neighbor, David D’Amico, will come up with another one next fall.“If he grows one next year, he’s welcome to display it here,” Meuhlebach said. “So everyone can be watching for it next year.”Any sightseers who get down to the store to see the pumpkin might want to time their visit to the lunch hour. If so, check out the dessert menu and see if, by chance, there is any homemade pumpkin pie.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Tassels, tassels and more tassels

I just listed these yummy tassels on my Etsy store, Stone Cottage Gifts, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6010427 Check them out! They would make great Christmas gifts.Sugar Plum Dreams
O-la-la

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus


Mad Hatters Tea Party




A whimsical Santa
Hurry! Buy them up so I can pay for our Anniversary trip the first week of December. We sooooo need the break!




Friday, October 31, 2008

Holiday Shopping Expo 2008

Join Us for Holiday Shopping Expo 2008
November 1, 2008
CBT Southtown (in front of Wal-Mart)
Neosho, MO
9am - 3pm
Uppercase Living
Longaberger

Annie's Place Baby Boutique


Southern Living at Home
Mary Kay
Silpada Jewelry
Handmade Craft and decorating items





Wednesday, October 22, 2008



The Nester is encouraging a Handmade Holiday this year. I think this is great and most of my family is getting handmade from me. Check out my Etsy shop to see some of what we have been doing. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=16033413 (I'm still figuring out the linking thing between work, teaching and a 2 year old it's sometimes a challenge).

We are hosting a Holiday Shopping Expo on November 1 here in Neosho. Some handmade items, some from home businesses. Husband and I have been busy working on things. I'll add some photos here later today. My alarm is going off and I am sure it is going to wake up the little guy!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Halloween Decor

Here are some photos of my Halloween Decor. Halloween is my favorite holiday. It has always been my father's favorite holiday so we all grew up enjoying Halloween and Halloween decorations. This is my mantle. I will try to take a photo with the lanterns lit. You can't see it very well from this photo but there is a super cute black and silver garland that I got from Oops! woven around the mantle. This is my collection of Gurley candles that belonged to my Grandmother. I have always loved these candles and I looked forward to her putting them on top of the tv every year. Any suggestions on how to get the pumpkin man to stand up? I tried sticky tak but it didn't help.
I found the stacking boxes at the Longaberger Bee in July. I thougth they were too cute to pass up. I love the cute witches, too.

I finally made my Halloween wreath last night. I intended to make it last year but A came to live with us in October and we had a lot of adjusting to do. I'll post the wreath tomorrow.
We haven't done much outside yet. Usually that is completed a few days before Halloween so it doesn't get torn down. My husband goes all out for the outdoor displays and this year we have a coffin to add to the display! We are very excited to see how it turns out.

Steal of a Deal!

I have been ocasionally looking at FourStates Home page classified ads to see what other have for sale that I might "need". I found this dresser listed yesterday. The owner wanted $10.00 for it......you read it right $10! I called and husband is picking it up now. The middle drawer is missing the bottom which should be no problem for our fix-it friend. The mirror is perfect. I am not sure where we wil end up using it but it was too good of a deal to pass up. I'll show you what we decide to do with it.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Trip to the corn maze

We went to the corn maze, near Newtonia, on Sunday with our third and fourth grade Sunday School class. A had a wonderful time running through the maze! It was a beautiful day to be outside. Look at that smile!
Keeping up with the group.
Are you coming?
The sandbox was a huge hit!


Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Virtual Uppercase Living Open House

We had our first Uppercase Living open house tonight. Welcome to the virtual portion of the open house. If you see something you like, leave me a message.


I made the "freedom" sign by staining a piece of barnwood with diluted navy blue paint. $15.00
The Trick or Treat plate is one of my favorites.
We sold the Love, Laughter, & Friendship plaque to our neighbors.
These pebble magnets are so fun. the magnet sets are $1 per letter.
The Joy frame set is perfect for up coming holiday decorating. $25.00
The Dream plaque is made on an artist canvas. I love the Play ball plaque, it's perfect for any little ball player.


After seeing all the white pumpkins this year, I had to make some. These turned out so cute. The orange Jack'0 lanterns are also Uppercase products.
PS. You can order any of these items and lots more from our Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=16033413

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Making extra cash.


I found a super easy way to make some extra cash. I read in my mom's Woman's Day magazine about a website called Cash4Books. It is easy to do. You send in the books and they send you a check or deposit the money in your paypal account. I have already made $50 from text books that companies send me to preview for classes I teach. I am going to hunt up some more and see if I can add to my stash in paypal. I could really use some fun money for the weekend!