Happy Homemaker

My dad mentioned the other day that I'm turning into quite the little homemaker. I'm really enjoying being at home and discovering all that I can do in my kitchen and dining room (that's where the sewing machine is, currently). Does it all sound a bit old fashioned? Yes, I believe that it does. But it's fun and it makes me happy. So, how can I resist? I'm considering changing the main title of my blog to The Happy Homemaker. I'm sure there's already someone out there using that title but that's ok, right?
So, in the last week, I have made blackberry jam using the berries from our CSA (and a few extras from the Nashville Farmer's Market); I haven't created a label for the jam yet; does anyone have any ideas of where to get some fun designs or a program that I can use to design my own?Attended a tomato canning party; Thanks, Carrie B. for the invite and the fun. You can check out Carrie's blog for more photos of our work! We had some yummy food; I took some blackberry cobbler that I would definitely make again. Healthy was not on my list while I was baking, but it sure did taste good.
Finished a dress for Charlotte which my friend, Amanda, monogrammed (photos to come at a later date when my model will hold still), and nearly completed a messenger bag using some fun fabric that I purchased at The Children's Corner during their 50% off sale. I love a good fabric sale! A word to the wise about choosing patterns, make sure you read all of the provided information on the back of the pattern before purchasing. I found this great pattern that looked relatively easy, purchased it, cut out the tissue pattern pieces, and cut out my fabric. Then, I read the back of the pattern that stated that I was only supposed to use quilted fabrics for the bag and that there was no lining inside the bag (because quilted fabric would already have a backing/lining). There was nothing that I could do but adapt the pattern to work for me. I created a lining by making a duplicate of the outside of the bag. It turned out pretty well and it will work for carrying around my wallet, a few diapers, and a sippy cup for Charlotte, all staples for when we go out.
The front of the bag. Still hoping to add some sort of clasp/snap/button since the pattern didn't call for it. I'm thinking snap because a button might be annoying when I need to get into the bag quickly. Maybe a snap with a faux button on the top?

Front of the bagInside of the bag with my made-up lining. It has lots of cute pockets inside but it's hard to get a good picture of those.

The back of the bag. It has two pockets for stuffing used tissues, register receipts, and half-eaten cereal bars. At least the fabric is laminated so I might be able to wipe off the gooiest messes. Maybe I ought to make a NO-GOO rule for my first homemade bag?

I discovered that my red and white Better Homes and Gardens cookbook has lots of fabulous photos for identifying fruits, vegetables, herbs, cheeses, cuts of meat, and more! Wish I had known this back when I was trying to identify all of the greens that we were receiving from the CSA. There's always next year! Thanks to Jessica S. who mentioned that she uses this cookbook for canning information as well. I wouldn't have even gotten it out had she not mentioned it. Seems that our sisters in the 1930s may have known what they were talking about! Also, I made some very yummy, per Peter and the kids, cheesy scalloped potatoes. We've been getting a good number of potatoes from the CSA and I wanted to try a new recipe. I'm so glad that I did. They went very well with edamame and panko encrusted tilapia. (Side note, why does the Blogger spell check not recognize edamame, panko, or tilapia as spelled correctly? Am I that terrible of a speller? Are these words so new that it just doesn't list them yet? Very odd.)

Here's a pic of the potatoes. Pay no attention to the grease spatters on the wall behind the stovetop. Did I mention that the builder of our house, Drees Homes, painted the ENTIRE house in flat paint? My goal in the next six months is to paint the kitchen. Peter doesn't know that yet but I suppose he'll figure it out when he reads this post. If he reads it. I'm not sure if many people are reading but I sure am typing a lot! Here's the recipe for the potatoes from BH&G. Make at your own risk. You'll want to eat all of them in one sitting! (Note: These take 85 minutes to bake so you have to think ahead if you want them for dinner.)

1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt (I didn't add this)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups milk (I used 2%)
8 cups thinly sliced red, white, long white, or yellow potatoes

1. For sauce, in a medium saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; set aside. Place half the sliced potatoes in a greased 3-quart rectagular dish (mine was only 2.6 qt. and worked fine). Top with half the sauce. Repeat layers.

2. Bake, COVERED, in a 350F oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40-50 minutes more or until potato is tender (I checked mine with a fork). Let stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving.

For Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, which I highly recommend: Prepare as above, except gradually add 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar (I used sharp white cheddar), Gruyere, or Swiss cheese to the thickened sauce, stirring until cheese melts. (I reserved a little of the cheese and sprinkled it on top so that we'd have a nice crusty top layer.)

Pickles and Skateboards

Yes, I thought that title might get your attention. They're certainly an odd pair. Luckily, for me and for you, they have absolutely nothing to do with one another except that they're part of two projects that I'm working on.
Pickles
Cucumbers are growing like crazy in my garden. We're also receiving a few from our CSA through Avalon Acres. (Side note, lots of great photo identification of fruits and veggies on the Avalon site) Our family actually really likes cucumbers, even the kids will eat them. I've made my favorite greek salad using them but we still have plenty. So, I decided that I'd make some pickles. I'm more of a savory pickle eater so I began with a garlic dill recipe from here. I didn't have any crushed red pepper so I left it out. Hope that doesn't make them gross as I made 8 jars of them! I had never canned pickles before so I did quite a bit of research to figure out what materials that I would need. Jars seem to be fairly readily available at all of our local supermarkets, even the 'ghetto' Kroger near us. I bought mine at Walmart because we happened to be there. I also purchased a huge stock pot, a jar lifter, and a Ball Canning Discovery Kit. The kit included a green plastic rack that allowed me to use my stock pot and not need to purchase a special canning pot. If the jars rest on the bottom of the pot, they're likely to break.
I found the canning process pretty easy and it didn't really take long. The longest part was waiting for the water to boil in the HUGE stockpot. I sliced the cucumbers both long-ways and crosswise, testing which way might taste the best. I have opened one jar and the pickles taste pretty good. They're certainly strong but the brine smells just like pickle juice! I made the labels for the jars using Word and printed them on full-size label sheets.Skateboards
And you're probably wondering about the skateboards. I saw this fun idea in Country Living magazine to use skateboards as shelves in a boy's room. Since our little boy is turning into a not-so-little boy, I'm trying to transition his room into a room that can grow with him. I didn't figure that I'd actually be able to find any second-hand skateboards but happened to stop in at the Goodwill Outlet that is not too far from home. Imagine my surprise and delight when I found not one but two skateboards in the bargain bin! So, for $7 (plus the cost of 4 L-shaped brackets), I brought home a new shelving system for Alexander. He's excited and can't wait until Peter can mount them in his room. Until then, the kids are enjoying 'riding' the boards around the house.Again, it is so difficult to snap a picture of Charlotte without getting the back of her head or a big blur. I took about 20 pictures trying to show how much fun she was having lying on her tummy on this secondhand skateboard. What fun for a little girl!

Happy 4th of July!

Last night, Lipscomb, the university that is down the street from us, put on a fireworks display in honor of both the summer worship series and Independence Day. We decided that Alexander was finally old enough to stay up late and enjoy the show. The anticipation nearly drove him bonkers. By the time we arrived for the show, which was slated to begin at 9pm, he was a little bit loopy. Thanks so much to Emily Butler for staying home with Charlotte, who went to bed at 6:45, so that I could see the look on Alexander's face the first time he saw the lights and heard the sounds. It was a joy for me to see! When the show began, Alexander became very still and gazed up into the air. Then, he giggled, clapped his hands, and wiggled with glee. He LOVED every moment of it, even when he had to cover his ears because it was so loud. He hasn't stopped talking about it and wonders when we'll get to see them again!

Here he is, in awe!!I find it hard to document just how cool fireworks are but I got a few good shots and thought I'd share!

We went over to Lipscomb with Alexander's buddies, Sam and Henry. Henry was not too pleased that I was snapping pictures (he's on the left) but I managed to get this one where he didn't have time to stick his bottom lip out. The boys had a good time running around and acting crazy before the show began. The weather was perfect! Poor Henry fell or got pushed (you never know with boys), and bit his cheek. Ouch!! He didn't enjoy the first half of the show because he was hurting and, of course, none of us had brought water or anything. I felt bad for him that he didn't get to enjoy all of the show.

I might have to learn more about taking night pictures because I would love to get some even better ones next year!

Speaking of independence, our baby girl has grown up on us! She no longer wants to sit in a high chair, preferring to sit on her knees in a big-girl seat. She took her first shower this morning and
threw a fit when it was time to get out. I can understand that feeling as I never get a long enough shower with two little monkeys fighting over everything as I try to rush as fast as I can, sometimes forgetting to wash my feet!
I found a great idea for a festive 4th shirt for Charlotte here. I was able to finish it yesterday afternoon and thought it would be so fun to have a little twirl skirt to match. Using some of the skills that I've acquired through the Children's Corner (who have quite a few fabrics 50% off right now) and from the pj pants that I made, I put together a little skirt as well. Charlotte is not easy to photograph right now but I've done the best that I can to document! She wore this tonight to Peter's Vanderbilt MBA family BBQ and now I have to wash it so that she can wear it again tomorrow! Better get to it!This was my 5th attempt at trying to get a picture of the kids with Peter. Getting everyone to look at the camera without Alexander making a crazy face or Charlotte looking backwards is like herding cats! Thus, this result!

Oops, it's been a week!

I've taken a little break from sewing and cooking (and blogging) to paint the bathroom. I wish that the reason to paint it was because I became inspired. However, the real reason is twofold. One, Alexander 'accidentally' pulled the toilet paper holder off of the wall, leaving a huge hole that Peter filled one day last week. So, there was a huge white spot that needed to be covered, either in the current paint or a new one. And reason number two. It's not for the weak stomached people so please, stop reading if you can't handle it. As I seated myself on the thinking spot the other day, I noticed that something was smeared all over the wall next to me. Upon further inspection, I realized that it was boogers. I shudder thinking about it. My first reaction was to wipe down the wall with a paper towel. Alas, the builder used flat paint all over the house so the new addition was just smeared all over the wall. Thus, the need to paint became an urgent matter. (Thank you so much to Alexander for the added decor that resulted in my painting efforts). After Peter realized the severity of the situation, he sent me to Home Depot where I gathered hundreds of little papers the size of gum wrappers so we could decide on a color. I had a silver/gray in mind and Peter wanted brown. Below you'll notice who won that debate.

Have you ever tried to take a picture of a half bathroom? It's not easy! This is about as good as it gets. You can see the new mirror that Peter installed and the accessories that I chose to compliment the new room. I'm a fan of the blue/brown color combination and Peter has accused me of trying to incorporate those colors all over the house. Is it my fault that TJ Maxx has all sorts of things that call my name when I walk in the store, each one sporting my (current) favorite color combo? I didn't think so. It's destiny, I think!

[A side note because I know that companies check out blogs on a regular basis...Hey, Drees, I'm not sure if you're still painting entire houses with flat paint. If you are, STOP! Seriously, who paints bathrooms and kitchens with flat paint? I don't think I need to go on and on, just needed to get it out there.]

And, because I didn't think that some of you could go a week without seeing a photo of the kids, I've added the one below. It's not a great shot of either one of them but the story behind it is quite sweet. Charlotte has fallen in love with books. The one that Alexander is reading is her favorite. It's a copy of The Wheels on the Bus sent to us by Great Aunt Linda, Great Linda according to Alexander, for Christmas this past year. Until the last few weeks, Charlotte's idea of reading was chewing on books or possibly ripping out a few pages here and there. Well, now, she can't get enough. In fact, she'll listen to just about anyone read to her. I found the kids sitting in the 'story chair' and Alexander was singing the book to Charlotte. If that doesn't pull at your heartstrings, I don't know what will. It really was the sweetest moment for me! So, I know neither one is smiling or looking at the camera, but it's a moment that I want remember forever!

Ahoy, me mateys!

Today is pirate day at Alexander's school and in honor of the event, Alexander asked me to whip up a costume. Ok, those weren't his exact words but he did ask for a costume better than last year's effort. Last year, I put a bandanna on his head and a construction paper patch over his eye. We completed the costume with a tin foil hook wrapped around his hand. It was great and the hook was a hit. However, to top last year's costume, I had to dig deep. I decided on Monday that making a pirate costume couldn't be that hard. So, I went to Joann and perused the patterns. I picked the one that looked the least time consuming, purchased my fabrics, and headed home to begin. Special thanks to Charlotte who has taken LONG naps the past two days, allowing me to work while she slept. Also, special thanks to Peter who hasn't complained about two days of dishes piling up in the sink!
Most of the costume was pretty straight forward. I have decided never to work with satin again as it's very slippery and makes me want to cuss. Out loud. And, the cuffs on the shirt weren't easy either. But, last night, I finished up and was rewarded this morning when Alexander came into our room, already halfway dressed in his new duds! Here are a few photos of my little pirate.

When we got to school, the teachers were putting all manner of body hair on the kids and below is what Alexander ended up getting. It totally completes his look, don't you think?



Not to be outdone by her big brother, Charlotte is also sporting a homemade outfit. I think I posted the finished product a while back but this is the first time that she's actually worn this dress. It fits pretty well and she's only pulled the ties off once. After she took it off, she looked at me and said, "Uh-oh!"

And one more photo of Charlotte because she's cute and I like this photo!

Happy Father's Day!

Yes, I know that Father's Day isn't officially until tomorrow but we had to do our decorating this afternoon. Peter had school from 12-3 today so it was the ideal time to hang our homemade decorations. Peter was so surprised with all that we had done! He loves his handmade bookmarks and the photo coasters that he can take to work.

Alexander made a Happy Father's Day sign for the front door and was there to greet Peter when he arrived home from school.

Seersucker napkins and coasters made by Mommy and "P" mug centerpiece with Alexander-made pinwheels. The napkin rings are shirt cuffs with button cufflinks.
Grosgrain Ribbon bookmarks to help Peter mark his place in his schoolbooks

The table was set, with care, by Alexander who also made the placemats!

Origami Shirts and ties hung on a 'clothesline'

Our goal was to make dinner for Peter and serve it at the set table but he decided that he wanted to go to Baja Burrito instead. This mommy didn't complain! Hope you all have a fun and fabulous Father's Day!

Go England and more

I've been given quite a hard time the last few days because we rooted for England in the England/USA World Cup game. All I can say is exactly what I told one of my facebook friends. I was never interested in soccer (that's football in proper English) until I lived in England. The excitement and passion that the fans have for the England teams and the local teams parallels that of die hard Tennessee (American) football fans. For those here in town, you totally get where I'm coming from. These fans paint their faces, sometimes their whole bodies, dress up like lions, sing crazy songs and really get into the games. While you'll never see me with the Cross of St. George painted boldly across my face, I will raise my kiddos to like and respect this game that puts me on the edge of my seat! We support England!
I'm sorry if you've logged on and been disappointed with me for not posting for a few days! We went to Indiana to visit my Dad this weekend and I didn't take the time to post. We had a really good time; we ate at Turoni's, visited Mesker Park Zoo, and swam in a neighbor's pool. We even took a trip to Gattitown which is a little bit like Chuck E Cheese but with a big, fairly priced buffet and more grown up games. I loved watching the boys do the mini bowling with the pins that are on strings. When they knocked them down, the machine just picked the pins back up again as if each one was a yo-yo.
In addition to visiting Dad, sewing and crafting have taken up some of my free time. I finished this dress for Charlotte this evening. I had intended to finish it around Valentine's Day but had a few obstacles between then and now. Since Charlotte has taken a few good naps this week, I was able to work on this and another (secret) project. I can tell you more about that project after this weekend!

I also finished a pair of pajama pants for Charlotte. They match Alexander's and he thinks that is so cool. I'm glad he thinks it's cool since I probably can't get away with matching them for much longer. I dread the day that he comes home and tells me that he doesn't think that what I choose is cool anymore! I certainly know where I fall in the 'cool scale' but it's been fun being at the top in the eyes of my kids!
And, just in case you didn't get enough daylilys in my last post, here's one of my favorites that's blooming right now. It's called Baby Blue Eyes!

I hope you're having a great week! Don't forget that it's nearly Father's Day! I hope you have your ideas ready and your gifts purchased!

More creation!

It was a rainy day today so I found a tutorial on how to sew your own pajama pants. Textile Fabric is having a sale, 50% off of all fabric if you buy a yard or more. So, I found a cute print for Alexander (Charlotte gets all the homemade stuff) and got to work. It took me about two hours from start to finish, including making my own pattern with parchment paper. I finished up this evening, just before Alexander was ready for bed. Luckily, he was helpful in the modeling department, despite the fact that his legs were too tired to stand up. I still have plenty to learn about sewing, especially the whole sewing in a straight line thing, but these lounge pants turned out pretty well. Alexander certainly doesn't have any complaints!

Cute boy in pjs!

Closeup view of the cute puppy print (the pants are PLENTY big, maybe he can wear them when he's 12!)

Anyhow, off to see if I can make Charlotte a matching pair!

Monday Evening Fun

After having a few friends over for dinner, I needed some me time. So, I made this dress!

It's the first time that I've used this pattern and I modified it a bit so that I could use a ribbon at the shoulders. It's a McCall's pattern and I'm pleased with how it turned out. Please don't zoom in on the photo, you might see all the places that I messed up! I hope that each one that I make will get better! Tomorrow, when Charlotte is up, I'll see if it actually fits her! I made the size 3 because I've learned that a lot of children's patterns run small (or maybe my kid runs big). It looks plenty wide but not sure if it's long enough.
Any ideas on how to keep the ribbon from fraying at the ends?

Daylily wannabe

For those that don't know, last year, for Mother's Day, my family gave me the gift of digging a huge garden for me in the back yard. Thanks, mostly to my dad, I am well on my way to filling it with awesome perennials. Dad grows tons of different daylilys at his home in Indiana. Yesterday I asked him how many varieties he has and his answer was, "Over 580." Um, 580? That's just crazy. I'm pretty sure that 5 years ago I wasn't aware of what daylilys looked like, let alone that there were so many different types. I make fun of Dad, calling him a nerd with his little signs designating each flower's name and grower but I'm starting to think that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. While I don't have any signs (yet), I'm becoming more and more interested in growing my collection of daylilys. I think it's fun to educate my friends about the flowers; I've had so many people say that they've never seen so many different types. And I have very few compared to Dad! I had 3 new ones bloom this morning and Dad had 22! The best thing about daylilys is that they're relatively maintenance free. Once established, you don't have to water, they multiply so you can share with friends, and dead-heading isn't necessary but it does increase the flowers on your plant next year. Some of my established plants bloom for weeks! Below I've posted some photos of the flowers that have bloomed in my garden so far this year. I'm excited to see what will open up in the morning!

Antique Rose and Wyoming Wildfire

Siloam Ury Winniford and Little Big Man

Apple Pie Spice and Etched in Orange

Bertie Ferris

Jusin George and