Another Fun Farm Day

After much rain lately, 

it was a amazingly pretty day today.

When any of the grandkids come over they always want to go down to the farm, and since it was such a great day we headed out.  We always try to take carrots or apples to feed the horses, so they are always happy to see us.  The cows think we have food, but I'm afraid we disappointed them today.  

The hay bales are sometimes as much fun as the playground, and the pond is great for rock skipping, too bad our rocks aren't smooth enough for that, but that doesn't stop us from trying.

Sewing and Bargins

This is the diaper bag I made for my daughter- in- law.  I have plans to make her a matching sling.  She chose the fabric and I think it turned out nicely.  

This is the third bag I've made by this pattern and the only hard part is getting the bottom exactly right at the corners.  I use very thick interfacing to make it more sturdy which makes getting all of the layers together at the corners and smooth very difficult.  

I found some bargains on a recent trip to visit friends.  When we go to visit these friends one of the highlights for me is a side trip to a little store called Dirt Cheap.  You never know what you will find there.  This time I found bolts of jersey knit material for $2 a bolt.  Since my husband was with me I limited my purchases to only 5 bolts.  He had too many practical questions like "What are you going to do with all of this material?" and  "Have you ever used this type of material before?"  I can't wait to try it out.

The apron is one of three I found at a little thrift shop on the way home.  Cute, isn't it?

Amish

I've always been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle.  We took a vacation to Pennsylvania a few years ago and were able to see a little of their everyday life.  I found a really great site that Lovina Eicher, an  old order Amish lady, writes for her local Michigan paper.  The site carries her articles, and it really gives you a nice peek into a totally different culture.  There are also some really great recipes in her articles.  Check it out.  

Winter Play

Before the Arctic decided to move south the kids loved playing outdoors.  Actually, truth be told they would stay out there no matter what the temps, but none of us are willing to go with them.  

Sweet Cheeks thinks she can do anything the big kids do!  Believe me, she tries it all!  She actually does better than the average 20 month old too.  She holds her own, and is one tough cookie!

Here she is trying Angel Eye's scooter.

Then on to Scooter's bike while Baby Dino watches.

Look at that grin!  She knows she's cute.

Of course, no matter what the weather, dress-up is always fun, and when I pulled out a box of old hats, shawls, and a vest from the latest Poor Mindy box everyone got in on the fun.

Weight Battle

I started Weight Watchers Monday, and I'm really hopeful!  So far it is not as hard as I thought it would be.  I found the most amazing site that is really going to help me It's called Gina's WW Recipes click on it and check it out!  The recipes look great and most seem to use ingredients readily available!  I've spent way too much time scoping it out today, but it is exciting to see good food I can eat without blowing it!  

Resolutions, and I'm Not Kidding!

I haven't made New Year's resolutions in years, and I'm full of them this year.  I don't know why, but for some reason I feel like a fresh start.  I am a lot of things, organized is not one of them, but even this late in life, I still want to be, and I still hold out hope that it is relatively possible.  I am not attempting to become an order maniac. I just want to have a basic plan and follow it.  I won't bore you with all of the details, as a matter of fact I'm still working those out, but here is the short list:  

get up earlier

spend more time in prayer and Bible study

lose weight (yes, again)

plan menus and follow them

exercise 5 times a week

formulate a house keeping plan and follow it

keep a journal

I know that's a tall order, but like I said before I'm feeling ambitious this year.