Antiquing in Wagoner

Chilly here today, our coldest day of the winter so far.  We even have an inch of snow on the ground from last night, our first of the season.  A fire is steadily going in the fireplace, heating up the home.  I set up a little table by the fire with my sewing machine so I can spend the week making some more of these...

I appreciate all the advice and tips I received from so many of you.  I think my little sawdust quilt pillow turned out cute.  I still need to hand stitch the opening where I stuffed it with a sawdust pillow, you can see it on the left in the picture above.  I found a way to make it work and it truly is something that the pioneers would do... I'll be back later with details on how I did it.

My friend Katie and I went to an antique mall in Wagoner, a town where we had not been antiquing yet.  I found this mini strainer for $2.  It's only about 3" and so darn cute!  I have never seen one so small.

What would one use such a little piece for?  To strain into a mason jar?  It really looks tiny with the rest of my strainer/sifter collection.

I was so excited to find this awesome slaw cutter at a great price!  I have been looking at them all year long but the prices have been more than I want to pay.  I haven't found any that are hinged like this.  We found 3 hinged slaw cutters in that one little mall!

It had a $20 price tag, marked down to $10!!  So I grabbed it!  I just LOVE old wood patina.

This lovely (not!) sewing basket was marked down to $2.50.  I'm not into dragons, especially ones that are falling apart...

But... the inside of this sewing basket is a beautiful worn blue velour fabric and looks much better displayed like this...

The jar of antique buttons was part of a Christmas gift from my niece (we draw names).  I love the little size of it, so cute!

I'll be back soon with a post about RAK's: Random Acts of Kindness.  =]

Time for me to get hopping.  My middle school daughter has a basketball game in a town 1 hour away!!  =/  That's not even round trip.  It's gonna take us a good solid hour driving on the interstate with a speed limit of 75 to get there.  Yuck!!  That's all I have to say about that.  But I will do anything for my baby girl so it's time to get the cupcakes baking.  I bake treats for the team for them to have after every game.  Just a little something to show that we love them and support them.

I hope you all are staying warm and cozy inside your homes during this winter storm blast we had last night.  I noticed on the radar that it started way down in Oklahoma with us and went straight north all the way to Canada, it was a huge stretch as it swept across the US.  My first thought was of you, all my blogging friends... hoping  you were safe and warm in your homes.  Bundle up girls~

Quilt squares

Hi friends!  I'm glad to be back amongst you all again!  Rich had his Christmas break planned out with some things he wanted to get done.  That was fine and dandy with me because I told him I had a plan too... catch up on my blog reading.  So I spent the past two weeks reading about 500 posts and catching up with you all.  I have never, ever seen my Google Reader so bare!  Now I enjoy blogging again.  =]

Before I get into what this post is about, I just want to say that you all have turned into some of my most treasured and loyal friends.  I appreciate you and love you all!  I'm thankful that I can come here happy and you are happy with me, sad and you are sad for me, asking for prayer and you are there.  THANK YOU for being that kind of friend to me these past couple of years.  What a joy and a blessing it is to share life with you all!

Now that the sappy stuff is outta the way, let's get down to quilting, hehe.  I am not a quilter.  But my friend Katie over at Willow Creek Homestead and I went to an outside sale that her dad was having.  Katie's dad holds these sales for charity.  All the money is donated to wildfire victims in his area.  We had an outburst of wildfires last year and many lost their homes.  Jim was blessed to not lose anything although the fires came up to his place and burned most of his land.  Now he is helping his neighbors that lost everything.  One of the things that we picked up was a huge box of quilt pieces and squares.  We sat down and went through it piece by piece, splitting the whole box.  Here is my stash:

Even splitting it up, I ended up with almost 70 squares of various sizes plus 2 full quilt tops!

My favorite are these smaller 7.5" squares that are going to make some adorable little pillows.  One of Rich's buddy at work is bringing him a bag of sawdust for me tonight, yippee!

Just look at this stack!

There were about 4 different sizes of squares, lots of blues.

These are the 2 full quilt tops.  Not sure what I am going to do with these yet.  I have a friend that has a long arm quilting machine so I'll probably be visiting her.  =]

I'm not sure of the age but the squares are definitely hand stitched and made out of old clothes.  You can tell that most of them were made from men's shirts.

Oh, and I forgot to count how many diamonds there were because I already had them in the sink getting a bath.

Now I'm asking advice from you.  I probably did this wrong so PLEASE correct me if I did.  I'll take all the critique and advice you want to give.  =]  To clean these pieces, I put them a sink of hot water with Dawn dish soap.  I stirred it occasionally, soaking for an hour.  Then I soaked them in hot water to rinse.  That's what the above picture is from (you can even see the steam in some areas).  They were very, very dingy.  Then I'm going to put them in the dryer on delicate for a bit.  I'm wondering if maybe they should be washed and rinsed in cold water?  What do you all do?  Please help!  =/

Thanks for stopping in for a visit.  I appreciate you coming by.

Have a delightful week~

Homemade Teacher Gifts

I'll admit that it's been a rough time getting in the Christmas spirit and getting everything done.  I always start in November so that I have plenty of time to enjoy and not stress.  But the three family funerals that I attended last month put me way behind.  I appreciate your prayers so very much!  I know they helped me and my families cope with losing our loved ones.

The decorating is finally done as of today, four days before Christmas.  I really don't like that because we don't have much time to enjoy.  I was going to minimize this year but Rich said that he really likes to see the home decked out in holiday cheer... so it happened.

I have really enjoyed looking at your beautiful homes full of Christmas.  It has honestly gotten me in the spirit and I thank each of you dearly for that, I needed it!  =]

I thought I would share some homemade gifts that the kids and I worked on this past week.  I made some Cinnamon Apple Jelly a couple weeks back.  It is so delicious and so easy to make.  I am not a jelly maker, but I can make this so anyone can do it!  Here is the recipe link if you care to try it: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cinnamon-Apple-Jelly

A lovely idea that I gleaned from Pinterest: wrap a freshly baked loaf of bread in a coffee filter and tie it off.  Of course I had to use baker's twine because I'm addicted to that stuff, haha.  Quick, cheap, and cute!

The kid's five Sunday School teachers received a jar of Cinnamon Apple Jelly and 2 mini loaves of Brown Sugar-Oatmeal Bread that came from Gooseberry Patch's Gifts For Giving cookbook.  They turned out to be cute little gifts.

Amariah has always had a giving heart.  She wanted to gift each of her 7 school teachers, even the ones that she really doesn't care too much for, lol.  So we made up some hot cocoa packets with candy canes, another Pinterest idea.  I buy the big boxes of hot cocoa packets from Sam's so we already had that on hand.

Our teacher gift to the little guy's Kindergarten teacher was also a Pinterest idea.  I like to give practical gifts.  I know... no fun, right?  But this is practical and FUN!  I've had the paint can for awhile because I just had to have it, but haven't even used it so this was perfect.  I wrapped it in some cute school scrapbook paper and added some matching stickers.

Of course Mrs. Baker's treat can had to have some fun treats!  So we used a cute idea from yep... Pinterest.  So quick and easy.  I used the mini Creative Memories circle punch which was the perfect size for the bottom of the kiss.  The gingerbread/heart theme will carry over to Valentine's Day so that worked out great. 

Robbie signing his Christmas card to Mrs. Baker, with a back view of the treat can.

This was just a cute little idea that I saw on Pinterest.  I bought a Jenga knock-off game at Dollar General for $3.50.  We picked out some colorful scrapbook paper and some school theme paper then mod podged them on to one side of the blocks.  Now the kids can build things with them or use them as a matching game because we made 2 of each design.  Robbie really enjoyed this and played with it all weekend so I know that his classmates will enjoy it.  Another practical gift...

Amongst the hustle and bustle that society has created around the birth of our Savior, my kids and I were able to have some fun creating and crafting gifts to present to their teachers.  13 gifts later and I am so thankful for the quality time we spent together, memories that were made, and all the $$ that I saved.

Now on to some cookie baking and candy making for 17 of Rich's co-workers... Chocolate Crackles, Snickerdoodles, and our favorite to make... Chocolate Stars!

I wish for you all to have a most delightful Christmas surrounded by loved ones with many wonderful memories being made!  May you find time this joyous season to remember and celebrate Jesus Christ's birth.  Hold on to His promises of a full life, an abundant life that only He can give you.  

Merry Christmas~

Prayers Please

I know some of you already have a home decked out for Christmas, but this fall loving girl...

My original plan was to take down the fall and put up the Christmas next week, the last week of November.  But I'm not too sure that is going to happen now.

I'm asking you, my prayer warrior friends to please add my families to your prayers.  Last Sunday, November 13, we traveled to Missouri for the funeral of my great-uncle Glen Johns.  In my large family, we are a close knit group.  Although this was my dad's uncle, we always called him Uncle Glen.  As well with the other 10 siblings.  Us kids never used the word "great", we just felt blessed to have so many aunts and uncles.  Uncle Glen was so soft-spoken, such a kind man, and loved God with all his heart.  He was my favorite out of the whole clan and I miss him so much.

My husband and the kids came on home that day while I stayed with my parents.  The next morning, we headed up to Princeville, IL for the visitation and memorial service of my mom's brother, my Uncle Jim Smith.  He ran off the road, rolled his truck, and it caught on fire.  His body was 90% burned but thankfully he was gone before he even ran off the road, there were no tire marks whatsoever.  He was a 22 year Navy veteran and was extremely active in all the veteran halls in the surrounding areas.  I was amazed at the very long line at the visitation.  My Aunt Marian said there were people there that she never even knew.  For 2 1/2 hours, over 565 people came through to pay their last respects to our family.  What an honor that was (and very emotional as well) to see the many veterans come through in their dress.  It was so neat to see yet so hard at the same time.

Then I got the call last night that my great-aunt Susie Johns, my dad's aunt that has been in the hospital for several months, wasn't expected to make it through the night.  I received the call this morning that Aunt Susie passed away last night.  She was so full of laughter and spirit all the way up until her entrance to the hospital.  A very loving soul who will be missed.

That's three deaths in our close knit family in two weeks.  Please pray for the Goins', Smith's, and Johns' families for comfort.  Our family has been known for its legacy of faith, love, and family.  For that, I am extremely grateful and I know that God will help us through this time.  Thank you for your prayers, dear friends!

At this thankful time of the year, I have been reminded this month that there is nothing more important than relationships.  First and foremost, our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  If you don't have this or don't understand, please contact me, I would love to share how my Savior is always there for me and loves me unconditionally.  Second, is our relationships with our family members.  Yes, there are some members that occasionally drive us crazy (or more often than that!) but be thankful for them, try to mend those broken ties because you never know when the last minute will come.  Lastly, thank you my dear blog friends that have been with me these past few years for many laughs, and cries.  I may never meet any of you in person, but you are all dear to my heart and mean so much to me.  Thank you for being a part of my life!!  Love to you all~

Fall Decorating

I just realized I never came back with a picture of my $15 steal of a deal in this old sewing machine.  All I did was sweep it down real well to get all the dirt and webs off of it.  I have decided that since I still have a young one at home that likes to play with interesting things, that I would display it with the machine down in the cabinet.  I really want to show off the machine but I know my little guy won't be able to keep his hands off of it... me either for that fact, lol!  It's fun to turn the handle and watch it work.

The top of this sewing cabinet is the perfect place for some family Bibles, along with some old family books.  Doesn't the sweet stitchery from our dear friend Linda over at Parker's Paradise look wonderful just above the sewing cabinet??  It's like Linda knew exactly what would look great in my home, I still love it so much Linda!  Thank you again, sweet friend!

The old glasses on top of the family Bibles belonged to my great-uncle Oscar.  I bought a box lot at a garage sale for super cheap and there were two itty bitty extremely dusty oil lamps inside.  They cleaned up quite nicely, I was honestly surprised.

I bought these little squirrels a few years back when I was working at Hobby Lobby.  I do miss working there this time of year when all the fall is out.  I brought fall decor home each week, hehe!

This little display is on top of the entertainment center in the family room.  The ceramic bear is the very first holiday piece I ever bought for my home back in the late 80's and I just can't seem to part with him.  He's such a jolly little guy.  House of Lloyd, the home party... anyone remember them?  My family loved them and had lots of parties.  Back then, we had these potpourri pots instead of tart warmers.  You put a tea light in his belly (which is why he has a heart hole).  Inside his head is where you put potpourri with a little water, then his hat had air holes in the top.  Thankfully sometime shortly after that, people started using wax tarts instead of the potpourri because it would get pretty nasty if you let it set a couple of days.  My grandma and granddad's wedding picture is in the background.  Oh, and yes... I realize that one candle is way too tall.  I have a replacement patiently waiting to be waxed.  Should have done that before I took this picture, haha.

I have lots of teddies in my family room because I use to collect them years ago.  They still mean warmth and comfort to me.  This sweet teddy bear is sitting on a little stool with the state outline of Oklahoma carved in the top that my husband made many years ago in scouts.  So we know it's an antique, hehe!

A quick shot of part of the mantel.  My main project this winter is to organize all photo frames and family pictures.

Just a little pot with berries in the Living Room in the Amish corner.

In the main bath, I keep a sewing drawer that belonged to my great-grandma.  I have fun changing it out with the holidays.

Isn't this little blue vase just precious?  My dear friend Katie over at Willow Creek Homestead brought this back to me from a family vacation they took to San Antonio, TX.  It came from The Guenther House.  From the website, it looks like a really neat place.

Maybe I can get it together soon and get pictures of the rest of my fall decorating.  You all will be showing your Christmas and I'll still be in fall, lol!  Oh well, I would leave my fall up all year long if my family would let me... dang family anyway.

Don't you just love receiving packages in the mail, especially when they are a total surprise?!?  My dear Facebook friend Micki Groom Creamer sent me a message that she was sending me something only I didn't see the message!  When I opened my mailbox and there was this huge package crammed inside, I was shocked.  Micki knows I love old sewing notions and has sent me some in the past that are displayed in my vintage sewing bathroom and laundry room (which is right beside the bathroom).  What a sweet, sweet thing for her to do, look at all this fun stuff!!

There is old bias tape for 10 and 25 cents, love that!  The old DMC and Coats labels on the floss, some say 12 cents.  Those will definitely be used in decorating, love those old labels!  A couple of cute patterns, a Christmas potholder & oven mitt panel, a beautiful quilt block that was started and never finished.  I was wondering what I could do with the adorable Americana fabric and Micki sent me pictures of pillow tucks she made out of it... CUTE!

Just in time for Christmas giving, there was a 'Cookies to Give in a Jar' kit complete with twine, jar toppers, and labels.  Perfect!  But my most favorite thing of all has to be the 1938 Singer instruction book!! What a real sweetheart my friend Micki is!  She has a fun and wonderful open group Christmas page on Facebook that you really should join: MAKE MINE A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS.

I gotta end this post with a picture of my little guy.  I was out taking fall foliage pictures again and he wanted me to take a picture of him as he was dancing and singing in the leaves... so sweet.

I suppose that's enough rambling for one post.  I appreciate you all giving my friend Katie from Willow Creek Homestead a wonderfully prim welcome.  She was overwhelmed at the response and I was too!  You all are so dear and precious to me!  Thank you for your friendship!  =]

Have a wonderfully blessed week~

New Blog Friend!

Hey, all my good prim friends... I want to introduce you to one of my bestest friends that lives here in the state of Oklahoma with me, right down the road.  Katie Harris started her new blog Willow Creek Homestead today!!  Katie and I have spent a lot of time together this year antiquing and crafting.  We have picked up some awesome deals together.  I've been bugging her all year long about getting a blog so she can be addicted right along with me, hehe!  Katie started a primitive transformation on her home this year and it looks awesome!  We'll have to get her to post some pictures for us.  =]

I'll be honest... I was always envious of you that have a prim blog friend to hang out with all the time and so wished I had one, well now I do and I am SUPER excited!!  So please go on over and give Katie a wonderfully warm prim welcome.  I know she will fall in love with all your wonderful, creative blogs and be touched by your sweetness like I have been the past few years.  Thanks friends!

I also want to thank each and every one of you that gave me such wonderful advice on my waxed icicles!  I have finally decided how to tie 'em up and package 'em.  I'll share that in a future post when they are ready.  I was hoping to have them ready by now but family first... October was full of football!  Three games a week!  Not to mention football practices 4 days a week after school.. basketball practices 5 days a week before school.. cheerleading practice 2 days a week after school.. both my boy's birthdays.. plus 3 birthday parties we attended.. trip to the pumpkin patch of course.. overnight guests of my parents (twice in a month to watch the kids' games), friends in a Christian band, my sister and her friend.. checking account was compromised with someone writing fake checks so we had to close out our acct and start a new one, still dealing with that yucky mess.. four concerts that my husband's Christian rock band played in.. ending in Halloween.. Oh, and the total 64.5 doz homemade cookies I made for the month for the JV and Varsity football players to have at every single game, and 48 cupcakes for the middle school cheerleaders (I decided this late in the season so the girls didn't get as many as the boys).....  all of this in the month of October!  Whew!  No wonder I'm so tired!  I was beginning to think that I needed a trip to the dr because my vitamins weren't cutting it but I can see I've just been on the run all month.  Anyway, hope to be back with you soon.  I have some great steals that I acquired at some sales that I want to share.

Can't have a post without pictures but all I have for now is a little fall foliage around my home.  I'm blessed to live close enough to town for when I need something, yet far enough out to feel like I'm in the country.

Looking down our driveway... we still have lots of green!

Coming out of our driveway, going down the little country road that I love to see in every season...

A real beauty in our backyard

Our pond can even be pretty at times

Our family friendly Oak tree in the backyard that houses the treehouse and the horse tire swing as it gives shade to the playset and swimming pool.  I adore this massive Oak and marvel at it continually no matter how long I've lived here and see it daily.

Some pretty color in our front yard

To end this post, a couple of views of my next door neighbors

I am so blessed to be living in such a beautiful place.  Sadly, I have to see pictures like this to remind me because I see it every day and sometimes take it for granted.  So thankful for God's blessings on this homeplace!  Also so thankful for the friendships I've made with you, you are a big part of my life and I treasure you all!!

Don't forget to stop in and welcome Katie at Willow Creek Homestead!

Have a delightful first week of November ~