Fingerprint Friday - { squirrel }

It's not every day I look out my back window and see a squirrel relaxing on the patio railing!

He actually startled me a bit, then I grabbed my camera. He just sat there for a while, as my kids lined up to see - I couldn't believe how long it lay there regarding us through the window, long enough for Chad to come out to see as well. Even when the squirrel began running off, he turned back several times to look at us. I am amazed at God's sense of humor in creating each wild creature with personalities of their own.

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints.

2. Be sure to link so others can find the entire list of participants! Go over to PamperingBeki's blog to add your link to the list of participants.

share what you read this summer!

Welcome, welcome - all my Summer Reading Groupies friends! Now that the kids are back in school, and Labor Day weekend is almost here, summer is drawing to a close, and it's time to share what we read this summer. To join in, leave a comment about your reading goals & what you accomplished, or feel free to post on your blog and leave a comment with the link to your summer reading wrap-up post.

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

When I started with my goal of 3 books for the summer, I had no idea I would end up reading as much as I did, especially with the move from our house into this apartment. But I guess apartment living and poolside relaxation allowed more reading than I thought possible. I blasted past my 3 book goal, and I'm still going - thank goodness for the library!

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Anne Frank, The Diary of A Young Girl - Anne Frank
Sam's Letters For Jennifer - James Patterson
Suzanne's Diary For Nicholas - James Patterson
Miracle on the 34th Green - James Patterson
And The Shofar Blew - Francine Rivers
Sundays At Tiffany's - James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

I used the Random Number Generator to draw the winner of the bookmarker (made by me!): post #9 - Laurie of Kandy Kisses Boutique! Congratulations, Laurie! Send me an email so I can mail your prize to you!

I also started participating in 5 Minutes For Books' Classics Reading Club, which is what spurred me to read Pride and Prejudice. More on that to be posted later!

I had fun, and I can't wait to read about what you have been reading!

no more piles

Of brick, that is!

The house is "dressed" now, and here we see a worker taking down the scaffolding as all the upper brickwork is finished.

There is considerable progress inside as well, but everytime I'm over there with my camera, there are a bunch of guys in there working. That's a good thing for the house, because that means it's getting finished. But I'm not comfortable walking around in there taking pictures while they're working, especially not with my girls in tow. Usually they're not working on Sunday, so hopefully I can get over there then.

^^^^^^^^^

Now, here's the house next door to the left. They started it before ours, but it still doesn't have brick - the brick just arrived this week. I love the colors they picked, it's going to be lovely! I'm also thankful that both houses next door to us will be finished when we move in (or soon after) - the one on the right has been finished for a couple of months now.

I've been sewing...

...and everything can be found in my etsy shop (links in the left sidebar)...

Coral Rose

Faded Lovelies Collection -
Little Girl Dress

Ruffle Pant & Top

Skirt Set

visual dna

I found this fun quiz on Erin's blog. You choose photos that are most similar to what you like, and the site puts it together to show what your personality is like. It's only 12 questions, so it doesn't take a long time. Give it a whirl if you like, and post to tell me so I can come see your results on your blog!

Fingerprint Friday - { green }

It occurred to me this morning that in just a few weeks, the lush grass I was walking on would be brown & dry as autumn sets in. So I will enjoy the green while it is here, and then in a few weeks I will rejoice in the change of seasons that God so mercifully created.

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints.

2. Be sure to link so others can find the entire list of participants! Go over to PamperingBeki's blog to add your link to the list of participants.

Fireproof

I am so stinkin' excited! My cousin Craig was involved in the making of this movie! I can't wait until it comes out so I can go see it!!! So proud of you, Craig :)

Here's Craig with my sister.

Self Portrait Challenge - Shine { gotta glow }

You'll never shine if you don't glow...
-------------------------------------- -- Smash Mouth, "All Star"

blue eyes, smilin' at me

nice surprise

I just got home & found an email letting me know that TudorDesigns had included my August Patchwork Apron Dress in her etsy Treasury!

Thank you, Jennifer!

If you're looking for *cute* & colorful cards & gifts, check out her etsy shop here.

We have brick...

...lots & lots of it, stacked up in the front yard.
And a little birdie told us they're starting to sheetrock on Monday!

Fingerprint Friday - { mesquite after the rain }

I can barely believe we had rain! It's usually searing hot here where we live through August into September, and dry dry dry. Last night, I heard the raindrops while I was sleeping, and thought I was dreaming. Not only that, but it is much cooler today, and if that's not enough, next week is only supposed to be in the 80's! I will enjoy every minute of it, even if it doesn't last very long.

God does not operate on averages or usual expectations.

I thought these mesquite trees outside our back windows were so beautiful this morning. Raindrops were caught on all the tiny needles, and were sparkling silvery in the morning light - a quality that proved difficult to capture with a camera.

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints.

2. Be sure to link so others can find the entire list of participants! Go over to PamperingBeki's blog to add your link to the list of participants.

fall breezes treasury

This one was fun to make, I used the Time Machine feature, and found all of these items within a few minutes! Something tells me fall is in the air (at least for sellers, if not where you live!)

Claire's glasses

I can't say I was surprised to be told by the optometrist that Claire needed glasses, but I was a bit surprised by her astigmatism level, as she has really not shown many other symptoms of not being able to see well.

She looks so darn cute with them, although she has been rather self-concious about it. You'd never know by this smile.

untimely demise

It is with great sadness we gather together today, to bid farewell to two faithful and true friends. At times like these, we often ask ourselves "Why? Why did this have to happen??" Tragedy such as this catches us completely by surprise, and leaves us questioning what we did wrong. But we cannot blame ourselves - some things happen in ways that we cannot control. So do not lose heart, do not scream at your sewing machine. Say your goodbyes, and then move on. That is what these friends would have wanted.

Rest in peace.

Chocolate Frosting

Have you ever made a cake, any kind of cake, just so you could have some chocolate frosting? I have. Many times. Here's my favorite recipe, which came from this cookbook. I always have these ingredients on hand anyway, so it's easy to whip up a luscious bowlful.



Fluffy Chocolate Frosting
or as I like to call it,
The Very Best and Easiest Chocolate Frosting Ever

2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
6 Tbsp. boiling water (yes, you really need to boil it - in the microwave is easiest - the heat wakes up the cocoa's flavor)
1 stick of butter (1/2 c.) at room temperature
3 c. confectioner's (powdered) sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Place the cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over it. Stir by hand until the cocoa comes together into a soft mass. Add the butter, and mix with an electric mixer on low until soft & well-combined (30 sec.) Stop the mixer, and place the sugar and vanilla in the bowl. Beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated (1 min.) Increase speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, frosting should be lighter and fluffy.

If frosting is too thick, add more boiling water, 1 tsp. at a time.
If frosting is too thin, add more sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time

Makes 3 cups, enough for a 2 or 3 layer cake, or 30 cupcakes

based on a true story...

Fingerprint Friday - { dirt }

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints.

2. Be sure to link so others can find the entire list of participants! Go over to PamperingBeki's blog to add your link to the list of participants.

Where do children get their fascination with all things having to do with dirt and earth and sand? If there is a pile of dirt, they are in it - digging, building, climbing, pouring out handfuls in the air to watch it blow away in a stream with the wind.

Dirt. God made it for many reasons. My children believe that one of those reasons is for their play - and I'm inclined to agree with them.

August Patchwork Dress

I love how this little apron dress turned out!

The apron is patchwork, and the colors are warm, perfect for summer-into-fall transition.

visible improvement

As of today, the house has the roof, the air conditioning ducts, windows, and a bathtub in the kitchen...

the front entryway

I'm sure the tub will make it's way to the hall bathroom eventually!

So, this is where Santa will come in, huh?

This bay window is in my bedroom window, and I need ideas for a simple and beautiful window covering for it. I don't like big, heavy drapes with valances and all sorts of stuff. So far, the ideas I have are three rods (one on each side window and one on the center window) with panels like these or a covered cornice across the front with a rod behind it going straight across with panels that pull completely to the sides. Any other ideas or pictures for me? I would be thankful for any inspiration I can get!

Self Portrait Challenge - Shine { summer sunset }

This month's Self Portrait Challenge theme is "Shine"

{ Summer Sunset }

I love the quote used on the SPC site to help define the challenge:

“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.”
~emily dickinson

Tote Winner!

Thanks to everyone who commented, linked, and made purchases - I had a total of 283 entries! You all made my 200th post celebration a ton of fun!

Thanks to the Random Integer Generator, the winner is:

#101 - Katie! Congratulations!!

I will be listing a similar tote on etsy this week, so watch for it!

House update for this week

Monday - foundation day! They had it poured by 9AM...

Thursday afternoon - the living space was completely framed out...

This morning - a good portion of the roofline was framed, plus they had started on the exterior wall board! I think the break between the front roofline (the triangle with the white wallboard up) and the higher portion in the back is surreal, almost looks like a trick photo.

I have to say I really feel for these guys - this week, it has been over 100° & today it's supposed to be 107°, with no sign of a break for the upcoming week. I admire these men who work in this kind of extreme weather to support their families.

Linen and Lace

Just listed this new little dress on etsy...

the neighborhood splash park

oh, no, mom, I won't spray you!
(right before she sprays me!)

Just for fun, I entered this post in the 5 Minutes For Mom Summer Fun Photo Contest!
Check it out by clicking here.