Weekend Fun!

I have been hoarding felted wool sweaters for some time now. I knew the right project would come my way, and I would put them to good use. They are easy to come by. Check any thrift store or yard sales, and you will find wool sweaters that have been felted. You can cut them into strips and they will not fray.

Then the fun begins! You can make a rug! Go here for EXCELLENT instructions.

It is super soft and durable. I haven't decided how big it will be.

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Yes, today Ralphie came home. He is the most attended to dog ever. Poor thing. The kids follow him everywhere, and are constantly trying to "take care" of him. ("take care"=animal torture by toddlers)

I took Ralphie out to use the potty, and while we were out there we discovered a momma kitten with a bunch of newly born kittens. I have never heard a cat make the sound she did. At first I thought she was a skunk. She is a nice cat, and seems fine with human contact, but she isn't too sure of Ralphie.

Anyone want a cat? Free to good home.
~Karen

Bragging Rights

What a fine looking garden we have!

I forgot we planted butternut squash in April. It took all that time to finally start growing. At first we thought we had some weird looking squash. You know my love for the butternut squash.

Isn't it beautiful?

I really do enjoy cooking the veggies up. I know all the hard work that went into it, and I know no chemicals have been used. It has been a great learning experience for us. I don't ever see a time we won't have a garden.
We are already discussing next year's garden. We are planning on expanding. We need more variety as well.

Tomorrow we get Ralphie Boots. I bet the kids won't sleep well tonight. I will try to update with some pics.
~Karen

Countdown: Four More Days

We are picking Ralphie Boots up Sunday, and the kids couldn't be more thrilled.

This poor little guy has no idea what is in store for him...For starters....these two have plans....

Moe wants to put him in some of his play cars and push him around. Mimi has a pile of doll clothes she knows will fit him. I have a feeling the poor little guy won't get a chance to settle in. I am excited too. As a kid we always had a variety of pets, and I think I learned a lot from those experiences. I hope the kids enjoy having Ralphie as a family member.

Have a great week!
~Karen

Fabric Pull Shades

Mimi has been waking up early every morning complaining about a stream of light coming in through her blinds. We couldn't take it anymore, so I purchased these cheap-o light filtering pull shades. Kevin installed them without difficulty.

I decided the shades needed some altering. They were kind of ugly. So, I looked through my fabric and found some to use. And I purchased some spray adhesive.

It wasn't a difficult project, but I will say I don't like spray adhesive. It sticks to your hands, and dries really fast so you can't move the fabric around. Also, I don't recommend brushing your dog after using the adhesive unless you like having furry fingernails.

I did wash the fabric in advance. I starched and ironed it as well. I think that helped make it easier to work with. If you decide to do this, pick a thin fabric so you can adjust the shade with ease.


Have a great week!
~Karen

A New Day : Recovering From Bad Ones

It's amazing how a good night's sleep can make things all better. Today has been great .... fewer tantrums....more patience on my part ...and a great library group and activity today. We have actually enjoyed one another today. I guess we all have our bad days, and we just happened to all have it on the same day!
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The kids are napping now, and I have finished the bathroom rug. SEE:
I am already planning on making more in different shapes and colors. This is an easy and quick results project. I have a collection of felted sweaters that would make a great rug...hmmmm :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!
~Karen

Parenting & Coping

It's been one of those days. Parents of toddlers know what I am talking about. Days when everything goes wrong, and everything makes your kid cry. It can be the tag on her shirt or her favorite toy has dead batteries, and all of it is simply too much for her. UGH! I am trying to handle each crying episode as they come...Offering distractions, trying to resolve whatever is so upsetting, and finally resorting to time outs. Oh! It is exhausting. I can't imagine having such internal chaos all the time. It must be exhausting to be a toddler. I am ready for Friday. Is it tomorrow? :(

Now the kids are napping.

I have distracted myself this afternoon with a new project: Rugs!
I have tried crocheting these before with no luck. It always curled up into a bowl. Then I came across the BEST tutorials. In less than ten minutes I understood how to do it. The instructor is great. Let me know if you try it, and how it goes for you...

Also, any advice or words of wisdom on parenting...if you have none, please offer a "hang in there!" I need it! :)
~Karen

Onion Video

Taco Bell's New Green Menu Takes No Ingredients From Nature