J7Troop the Blog

What's the Buzz?

2010-01-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Natalie (6yrs) came home from school bubbling with excitement. "I got a bee sting!". But it's not from just any bee, it was a bee from the Positive Referral Program! Natalie was "caught being good!"... Natalie happily handed me the referral award and proudly showed me her bee. It was so nice to see how excited she was. Our daughter Maleigha (8yrs) even wants to earn a bee sting now! What a wonderful way to encourage and award children for their good behavior.

Way to go Natalie!! Mommy and Daddy are proud of you!

Pink Pearl - A Custom Made Bear

2009-12-16T22:01:00.006-07:00

Over 100 designers/artists got together to raise money for little Layla Grace. After offering two creations, Autumn being one of them, I wanted to offer one more. With the deadline closing in, I knew a custom auction would be best.

The auction offered a custom miniature bear made just for the buyer. The buyer would be able to choose the style of the bear and the colors used. At the close of the auction, I emailed my buyer for details.

My buyer wanted a bear that would match her daughter's bedroom. So she requested a bear that was pink with black accents.

"Pink Pearl"

Pink Pearl is 5 way jointed. She has a cotter-pin joint in her head and thread joints in her arms and legs. I also added wire in her arms to make her more poseable. Adding the splash of black for her accents, she has a black nose, eyebrows and bows. Her scarf also has a row of black, along with a variegated pink to coordinate.

All proceeds raised went towards medical expenses that Layla’s family has accumulated due to this awful disease.

If you would like updates on Layla Grace, you can follow her on twitter.

Autumn, My Newest Bear

2009-10-13T22:18:00.009-06:00

Well, I've finally done it! I really finished Autumn. I was getting a little frustrated with myself, thinking I would not be able to finish this bear in time. I kept on pushing myself and pushing is what did it!

Autumn was made to raise funds for a little girl named Layla Grace. You can read her story here. Layla's story broke my heart. I can't even begin to imagine what Layla and her family are going through. Having a little girl who is the same age, I felt being pulled to help this family out. I decided making a bear would be the best thing.

Autumn is now listed on eBay. All the proceeds made from this auction will go to help Layla's family with their ever growing medical expenses. If Autumn is not in your budget, please pray for little Layla Grace.

Several other designers/artists have joined together to raise money for Layla. Search "ForLayla" on eBay to view the other listings.

Headed back in time...

2009-10-03T09:00:00.018-06:00

My friend Heather of Sugar*Hiccups and I were invited to participate in an eBay launch. The theme: Prep VS Punk. So we started discussing what we would collaborate together. This outfit seemingly took on a mind of it's own! By time we were finished, it perfectly matched the theme (we went punk). The outfit totally reminded me of something you'd see worn in 1980.

Heather crocheted a gorgeous halter and I made matching cuffs and a tutu. This surely was a fun collaboration!

The entire outfit was modeled by my beautiful daughter Harley. It was her boutique modeling debut! Harley absolutely loves the outfit and even wanted to wear it after the photo-shoot! That's always a good sign :)

Please take a moment to view our auctions...

Heather's

Mine

Thank you!!

Flowerella's Tutu Dress

2009-08-17T18:41:00.007-06:00

I was invited to join a launch with the boutique "Lil Peas". I was so excited, this being my very first launch. I decided I would make a princess dress. It is a Halloween launch. So I sat down and began brain-storming and drew up some pictures. Out of much thought came the following work of art. This is a combined design by Lisa Naskrent and myself.

I even entered the dress in the fair and won first place!

On Sunday, I picked up the dress from the fair, got our daughter Natalie ready for pictures and then went to a gorgeous church to do the photo shoot. The church looks like a castle! How cool is that?! Natalie did so well during the photo shoot. She's always been good at posing!

The title of the launch: "Lil Peas and Guest Go Batty".

Well while at this church... we heard chirping sounds. I looked up towards the tower and saw 3 bats flying above it! PERFECT! I just wish I would've got a picture of them. But isn't it ironic. I sure thought so! Ha Ha!!

The launch is being held on eBay currently. It started August 11th. I just listed Flowerella's Tutu Dress today! So be sure to stop by the auction and have a peek. There's additional photos there!

Flowerella's Tutu Dress

Have a great day!

Letter from the Tooth Fairy

2009-07-24T10:53:00.007-06:00

Dear Harley,

The stairs were too loud and that's no joke! I didn't want to wake lil' baby Oak. I decided to write this letter, 'cause I believe it's much better. I then placed it on the bed, right below your mom's head. You may have heard her hollar, 'cause I left more than just a dollar. If I know you, you'll know what to do!

Love,
the Tooth Fairy

p.s. Sweet Pea, please let your mom collect the tooth for me.

I gave this to my daughter this morning, along with 4 pieces of gum and 2 gold dollar coins. After reading the letter she replied "But you're the tooth fairy!". I laughed and then asked if she would go get the tooth from below her pillow. She told me "It's not under my pillow, I left it where you put it". I guess she is too old for the tooth fairy!

Christmas in July Giveaway

2009-07-20T09:45:00.003-06:00

Wow! It's been awhile since I've blogged. I have SO much to tell you!! But first... I have to tell you about this amazing giveaway.

Sarah of Bit of Whimsy Dolls is having a giveaway. Day 1 just started and the prize is amazing! She is offering 3 patterns! This is definitely something I could use and I hope to win ;) The giveaway is being held until the 24th. You have a chance to win too! Head over to Sarah's Blog and read the details. Be sure to check each day until the 24th, she will be offering additional prizes!

Double Digits... Check!

2009-02-09T23:47:00.003-07:00

Our son Levi turned 10 years old today! I am still in shock to think 10 years ago I first became a mom. It hardly seems that long ago.

Wow! Doesn't time fly?

I picked up some cookies from Walmart and went to pick the kids up from school. I was greeted by several of Levi's classmates. Each of them happy to see the cookies. A few of the kids approached me showing pictures they had made for Levi. A little girl named Jordan wrote out the song "Yes, Jesus Loves Me" for Levi. She included a few activity pages for him. One of which he completed on the way home.

Our kids attend Awana Clubs on Mondays. Before they left, I asked Levi what he wanted for dinner, giving the choice of spaghetti or taco salad. He chose taco salad.

While they were at Awana Clubs, I went down and worked at the church. When I finished everything on my "to do" list, I headed home and began making dinner. I was just about finished when our kids came home. All of them were excited about the Valentines they received at Awana Clubs. Each of them even shared a few candies with me... yum!

Before eating dinner, we all headed out to view the full moon. We borrowed grandpa's telescope and hubby had set it up while I kept the kids occupied inside. The kids were so impressed by what they could see, each of them described the moon's features. I've got to admit, that was my favorite part. I can't believe we had never borrowed the telescope before! We'll have to look at more things while we still have it.

Here's the family viewing the moon:

It pays to be a repeat customer... I guess.

2009-02-07T15:49:00.006-07:00

I was completely shocked to hear the lady over the intercom tell us she was giving us a discount. We did have a pretty good sized order and have gone to Carl's Jr. frequently... sadly. But, I have to admit, it is somewhat embarrassing when a company says, "You guys come here all the time, we would like to offer you a 10% discount". Anything to save some money is great... believe me! With a family of 7, eating at a fast food restaurant (or any restaurant for that matter) is expensive!

Even as excited as I was, I also was totally embarrassed. Do we really eat out that often?! Maybe it is time to stay home for lunch/dinner.

Carl's Jr., I would sincerely like to thank you!

Semi-Homemade Cinnamon & Sugar Donuts

2009-02-06T13:30:00.013-07:00

The girls and I had fun this morning making donuts. It is super fun and very easy! You can find the recipe here.

I had the girls help me cut the donuts. And we even talked about the shape we were making. I then had them wait, while I fried them. Frying takes no time at all. Do not walk away... it seems like seconds and they are done!

I made the biggest mistake by shaking the donuts in a bag with cinnamon and sugar. Do NOT do this (well unless you like things very sweet). I recommend doing exactly what the recipe says. We made them both ways. But shaking them in the bag coated them too much! Even my husband, who loves sweets, said they were too sweet.

Just look at her mouth!

The kids can also help you by shaking the cinnamon and sugar on the donuts. I really want to pick up the shaker the recipe talks about.

These donuts are the perfect size for little hands.

Thanks Marie for sharing your recipe! It has quickly become a family favorite.

Companion Cube-Case

2009-02-03T10:40:00.010-07:00

After all the planning, measuring and sewing...
it is finally done!!

I made this for my husband Russ. I wanted something special and unique to give him for his birthday. Thus the Companion Cube-Case was born! Now I've got to admit, I thought this would be SO much easier! Heck! It's just a pillowcase. But, I don't think I have measured something so many times.

I bet some of you are looking at this and wondering, why would she make a girly thing for her husband? For those of you who don't know why, read here.

I finished this last night while hubby was at work. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, so I slid it on his pillow and got ready for bed. Before going to bed I wanted to make sure I also included a little note (see below).

I was a little sad that I wouldn't see his expression. To be honest I even thought about setting an alarm. But, I was SUPER tired!

He came home and woke me up by kissing me and saying "Thank you!" Heh. Heh... that works :)

Now if I just had the time to make a whole bedding set!

American Ideal Auditions

2009-01-23T22:37:00.006-07:00

On Sunday, our kids auditioned to be in "American Ideal" (A Childrens Musical about Humility. Created by Janet McMahan-Wilson and Arranged by Ted Wilson). It will be a production put on in the Spring by our own "Spirit Kids Theatre".

American Ideal is a lot like American Idol. With characters such as Ryan D. Best, Simon Coward and Bro Jackson.

From the back of the book:

"Lights! Camera! Ego! Well, that is, if you're a contestant on one of the many 'Reality TV' shows filling the airwaves today. Entertaining? Maybe. Harmless? Hardly.

The 'American Ideal' shines the spotlight on 4 contestants who are competing to be the next 'American Ideal.' Tonight's theme is 'Gospel Music Night.' During the production of this live TV show, contestants Wila Wynn, Anita Ward, and Neil Downe discover, with the help of fellow contestant, Emma Tate, the truth about themselves as 'Reality TV' takes on a whole new meaning. This humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at fame, fortune and flim-flam turns popular culture on its head and shines the spotlight of God's truth about humility on the heart of contestants and audience alike."

Well I just heard what parts they got! Levi (10) will be Bro Jackson, Harley (8) will be the make up girl and an important back up singer, Maleigha (7) and Natalie (5) will be fans.

I am SO proud of our kids!

Way to go guys!! I can't wait to see your performance!

Oh... Should I mention I have been titled "Production Director" (I am producing all the programs, powerpoint, etc.) and I am helping with the wardrobe? At least it sounds cool!! Ha Ha!

Way to Go Alla!!

2009-01-21T22:31:00.010-07:00

My dear friend Alla Koval of My Little City Girl is now a published designer!! I am SO excited for her, as this is her first publication and hopefully many more will follow. I had the pleasure in helping Alla with the testing of this beautiful jacket. It will be in the newest issue of Crochet! Magazine - March 2009.

We began discussing and working on this pattern back in April of last year. I am really happy to see that it has made its way into publication.

Congratulations Alla!! I am extremely happy for you!

Signage

2009-01-16T22:55:00.007-07:00

Have you ever noticed a sign that seemed funny or particularly odd in some way? Well lately I have seen some signs that I just find funny. You may or may not share my sense of humor.

Here are signs that I have seen around our town.

-DOES'T-

-sancutary-

I think someone forgot to write in a word Evan probably said. Eye maybe?

And is Bailee making a threat?! Ha Ha!

-COURTSEY-

And yes, my cell phone was still on! How else could I take this picture?! lol!!

"Always Low Prices" Hmm... REALLY?!

It was really windy! How ironic.

This picture was actually taken up in Denver.

-SAETY-

Seriously, can people NOT spell in this town!!

Hmm... I'm beginning to wonder if I really should be shopping at Walmart.

I am going to bed. Goodnight.

Craft Room Blues

2009-01-13T22:28:00.004-07:00

Ok... so I am on a quest to clean my craft room. My kids love coming in here and checking out the neat things I have. The only problem... after awhile I can't find what I was working on. So to fix the problem, I have cleared out my entire craft room. Besides my sewing table and computer desk of course. But I am excited and can't wait to have it more organized!

I will *hopefully* post pictures of it when I am done.

Wish me luck!!

Sweet Peanut Butter Stripes

2008-12-09T12:12:00.006-07:00

I just made these super easy peanut butter cookies. After they were done baking, Maleigha helped put the kisses in the middle (I should've taken a picture). They are SO sweet! I had two too many!!

You can find the recipe in Paula Deen's new cookbook "My First Cookbook".

We also made these cookies with just original kisses and they didn't melt as much. So just experiment and see what happens.

Annie's Attic

2008-12-06T00:20:00.002-07:00

Oh my gosh! Look what I just found on Annie's Attic!! That's right... it is our little Oakley! Is this cool or what?

Yes sweetie, you're our little ray of sunshine :)

If you visit the page, be sure to click on "See More Photos" and you'll see the other picture I took of her.

I tested this dress and hat for Lisa of Crochet Garden. It is still my favorite dress yet! Of course Lisa is a fantastic designer! I love all of her cute designs :)

Awesome Giveaway!!

2008-12-05T15:39:00.002-07:00

Momma MC is having an awesome giveaway with over $175 worth of loot! Have a chance at winning it! Head on over to her blog and read the post for further details.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2008-11-26T17:37:00.004-07:00

Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone!!

The above image is from Toni's Place. It's a pumpkin pie made with orange marmalade (recipe). Mmm... interesting. I may have to test that one out.

Fire Damage at PCS

2008-11-21T22:45:00.003-07:00

Fire at PCS

2008-11-21T18:36:00.002-07:00

Wednesday seemed like any other day. I woke up, got the kids up and had them get ready for school. I wasn’t prepared for what would happen next. At 7:12 that morning I received a call. Due to a fire, school had been canceled. I knew nothing more.

I went to work and thought about the school all day. I finished things I needed to take care of and headed home.

I tried to get a hold of a friend to ask if she had heard anything, she never answered. So at 9ish that night, I called my brother. I was desperate to hear an update. Luckily for me people were at his house that knew what I needed to know about the school.

I was told that the boys’ bathroom, girls’ bathroom and my daughter’s classroom were destroyed. The fire chief believes the fire started in the boys’ bathroom. It is still being investigated. But they believe it was the fan in the bathroom, which possibly had a short.

On Thursday I went to see the school. The whole South side had been boarded up. There were desks and chairs outside covered in soot. Computers, tables and other items from inside were also black. All along the West side, school papers and burned pages from books lay on the ground. My daughter pointed a page out. “That’s the Fat Rat, we just read that story!” It was apparent these were papers and books from her classroom.

I continued looking at the damage. The roof was warped and burned. There was even a hole up there! We looked into the windows. Everything was black. It seemed like just a nightmare!

I never could imagine something like this happening. As a matter of fact, I was totally in a “The cup is half full” sort of attitude. I thought that the fire would be contained and there wouldn’t be extensive damage. Boy was I wrong!

We had a meeting Thursday night. The school will have to be rebuilt. Some things can be salvaged, but there are a lot of things that can’t be. "We will face this giant, just as David faced Goliath".

Mrs. Wilder, my daughter’s teacher, apologized to me. "I am so sorry, but all of Harley's school work from this year is gone. I kept all of it in the classroom." I told her not to worry about it. All will be fine (definitely holding the tears in. I didn't want to make her feel guilty about anything. It is not her fault at all). She told me to tell Harley that she loves her and said that Harley is such a sweet girl.

After the meeting, my husband and I headed home. I told him “Its one thing to know that your daughter’s school work is most likely gone. It is another thing to be told”. For some reason it puts things in a whole new light (bringing reality to life). I began to cry. “That was our daughter’s school work. Now it is gone”.

But, we can’t focus on what has happened or even what we have lost. We can thank God, for we are truly blessed, that our kids and their teachers were not at school during the fire.

Mrs. Hibbs said in her prayer "Let the kids remember Joshua 1:9". “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”.

The kid’s will have an extended Thanksgiving break, until things can be discussed further. We have an awesome group of families in this school and I know that we can pull together and fight this giant, just as the Principal said.

The Devil can’t keep us down! The Lord our God will continue to pave the way for us!

Adventures in Coffee Dying

2008-06-17T14:49:00.004-06:00

So I decide yesterday that I wanted a darker yarn for a bear I am making. I decided that coffee was my best bet. Ok... I've never done this before, so I am hoping that the coffee will remain stained on the yarn.

Last night I brewed a VERY strong 8 cup pot of coffee, Caramel Delight to be exact. Even though it was strong, it smelled really good! While it brewed I began pulling my yarn from the center, letting it fall into a large pot. I filled the entire pot, pushing it down slightly to get just a bit more. I am hoping it was enough, so I have enough yarn for my bear!

After the coffee was brewed, I poured it over my yarn and made sure it was covering every bit of yarn possible. Oh! I forgot to mention... I did wrap the end around the pot handle.

I covered the pot loosely.The yarn and coffee sat overnight. This morning I went and looked at it, gave it a tilt back and forth to cover more here and there. Then I went to work.

When I came home, I began to pull the yarn from the pan. Well after trying to do it on my own, I decided I needed my son's help.

I passed over the yarn to him and he held it while I wrapped. WHAT A MESS!! There was coffee everywhere! All over the stove, the floor and our clothes! At least we learn something everyday, right? I will be more prepared next time (if I do it a next time).

Well here is the result of my coffee dying adventure:

The picture is of what the original color (right) of the yarn looked like and the result from the coffee. I really love the new color and I hope it doesn't fade!

The yarn used for this adventure: Patons Lacette - Cream Caress

Paper Bag Mini-Books

2008-06-11T11:07:00.005-06:00

Summer has definitely arrived! Kids are out of school and it is HOT!! Need a project to keep your kids busy that doesn't involve going out in the heat? Well the YCMT site just put up their first "Kids Can Make This, Too!" project. It is free and it sounds like a ton of fun!

Just click on the banner below and get to crafting with your kids :)

Each week YCMT will have a new project to do with your kids. So be sure to check back and see what the new project is!

EEG & Anniversary

2008-05-31T00:12:00.000-06:00

Maleigha had an EEG appointment up in Denver yesterday. Denver is about a 4 hour drive. And with the gas prices now... ouch! Good thing my brother was willing to take us up in his van (he gets better gas mileage). I had 4 of the kids with me. Natalie stayed back and played at my brother's house.

The trip wasn't too exciting. I tried to get the kids to play some car games to keep them occupied and well... they just did not want to participate. Levi kept asking if we were there yet. Don't all kids ask that? LOL!

Oakley was wonderful at showing how big her lungs were and loved throwing her toys out of reach. :(

Maleigha was to be sleep deprived. The whole way up there (practically), she kept asking if she could go to sleep. You know all the kids were asking that, but on the way back, do you think they slept? You guessed it! Nope! Not a wink.

The EEG appointment went smoothly. Even though when we got there Maleigha said she wasn't tired... she did eventually fall asleep. I laid next to her during the EEG, which was different for me. This was her 3rd one and the 1st time they said for me to lay next to her.

Before Maleigha went to sleep, they ran a bunch of tests. She blew on a pinwheel and was subjected to a bunch of different flashing lights. She told the tech (Nancy Weston, who was super nice!) that she could see colors and at times even shapes. I found that interesting.

After the EEG was over, Nancy took her over to a cabinet to get a toy. She even let two of my other kids get one. They really enjoyed that. I went into the waiting room, only to find a very anxious baby wanting mommy. My brother showed me a spoon that the kids got with their ice cream. It looked like he was stealing! Ha Ha!! It was a plastic spoon, but looked like a real silver spoon.

We decided to go eat at the Chipotle Mexican Grill. Which if you haven't tried one. Definitely find one in your area. The burritos are huge and so good! I'm not sure how many there are or if it is even a franchise.

Here are a couple of pictures:

Maleigha was interested in what she looked like and I only had my phone. But I took these pictures of her and then showed her.

Maleigha has some of the readers on her already.

Her "Princess Hat". They put this on, so if the child moves then the readers don't fall off.

Then Maleigha wanted to see what the wires looked like in her hair. She is always so curious when it comes to medical stuff. She even likes seeing her blood get drawn!

And the last... this is a picture of some flowers outside Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Yesterday was our 7th anniversary. We didn't really get to spend it together. My husband works overnights, so he didn't go up to Denver with us. So I seen him a short bit before going and then when I got back, he was headed to work :(. I do hope that we'll get to go out to eat and maybe watch a movie together in the next couple of days. It was really sad not being able to be with him. But he just started his job and didn't want to risk the chance of not having it.

All in all a very exhausting day!

Do this again? Probably not.

2008-05-28T18:50:00.000-06:00

I got the kiddos settled down for lunch. I made them dinosaur chicken nuggets, French fries and grapes. Well as I added ketchup to one of the plates, this was created:

And trust me, the title says it all. I did try it again and succeed I did not!

What is it like to be a Crocheter?

2008-04-14T12:32:00.001-06:00

By Sarah Jones

Symbols, abbreviations, patterns and math
Why would I want to learn all that!!
Getting the kids ready for bed, giving them a bath
I just might as well toss in my hat!

When do I have time? Will I be up all night?
I usually have time for just a quick bite
Running, running, I’m always on the go!
So why do I do this? Why you must know?

Well warmth and comfort under a nice afghan
That is definitely a nice plan!
Dresses, purses, and bonnets I make,
Baby dedication… that takes the cake!

Gifts to charity always a must
Nothing is left to sit and collect dust.
Therapy, break, and calming I say
All wonderful to me at the end of my day!

It doesn’t stop there, there’s so much more!
But I am off… headed out the door.
I grab my purse and my keys.
I look down and what do I see?

Tangled yarn, lost hooks and my cat.
I will still put myself through all that!
Wouldn’t you do the same?
Come along and play the crochet game!