A little Sketchy

There was this wonderful application on one of my forums I visit that lets you pic a photo and they put it into sketch form. I thought it would be really cheesy, but I think it turned out beautifully. This was a picture of Levi and I during naptime one summer day when he was just a little bit. I miss those snuggly days. He is now a zooming toddler, but I can be thankful for little memories like this that help remind us to cherish every day! :)

I Just Don't Know

This is the detail of the paws. This is the top complete with piggy tails and crookedy smile!

I just finished this crochet projects a few minutes ago. When I first saw it, I thought it was really cute. I even thought it was cute as I was putting the pieces together. But now.....I just don't know. It is supposed to be a Christmas gift for my daughter, but I can't decide if I should give it to her or go ahead and scrap the whole thing. I don't dislike it, but then it isn't one of those projects that once I was done, I stepped back and said, "Hm...that turned out pretty good." I would keep it if it was something I made for me, but as a gift.....IDK!

What do you think? Should I give it to her? Or add it to my stash of yarn scaps.

What Sweet Gifts!!!

Aren't they wonderful?! The mail lady has been a busy woman delivering these sweet packages! Nancy Jo sent me the most wonderful bag of buttons. The buttons are in the jar waiting for the lamp to me put together. :) I couldn't resist stuffing the bag with fluff so I could keep it once I put the buttons in it. Isn't it cute!
Bert sent me the adorable teddy. He is so cute. He reminds me of country cinnamon so I have named him Cinnamon! His little buttons are silver hearts. Too sweet!
Thank you both for thinking of me! It's so nice to go out to the mailbox and find I have been left wonderful treasures from my friends!! :)
Both of their cards said Happy Farmgirl Month!! :O) Yay!

The finished Tea Stained Doll

Here she is ALL finished. I've been so busy lately, that I didn't realize until I posting today, that I never posted her completed. She is the first one that has embroidered eyes and hair. I think she turned out cute. Her hair is just yarn. There has to be an easier way to sew it on than what I did, so I will be trying to figure that one out before too long. :) Tori says I should name her Victoria because she looks like her! :P

Granny Square Afghan--New Year Project

These are a few of the squares for my Granny afghan that I have finished. I always thought they were such pretty patterns and designs, but it seemed to hard for me. Once I got started, it was TONS easier than I thought and I got the hang of it pretty quick. This is the start to the makings of a queen sized bed afghan. I hope I can stick with it. I am not buying anything extra to use for it, so it will be slow going as I finish other projects and there is yarn leftover. :O) Hopefully, it doesn't collect too much dust while it waits. I am a short term project person and have a hard time with something that takes more than a week to complete. Keeping my fingers crossed! :O)

Treasures

I am moving a little slow today, but I wanted to post pictures of the lovely things that I haven't gotten in the mail over the last few days from my Farmgirl friends. Thank you all for cheering up my days! You are such sweet blessings! :) (((HUGS)))

These things were from Nancy Jo. :)

Be the Cat

I thought this picture was wonderful! How many times, do we face obstacles in life and breeze on by them. Truly, we have nothing to fear, every step of the way God is holding our hands. We can look whatever it is that our hearts are afraid of the most and have confidence that greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world! Be the cat; have NO fear. :OP

Keeping Busy

This two are my latest projects. Keeping me busy over the last week or so. They are both already spoken for, but I thought you might like to see them. The rainbow one is my favorite! So snuggle warm and soft! Perfect for a snowy day and a steamy cup of hot cocoa! YumYum! :P

Backpack/Pocketbook

I just finished this little Backpack, Pocketbook. The material is a really soft wool,I guess. :) My sister gave me some wonderful materials and this was in amongst the goodies. It is fully lined and heavy duty, but surprisingly soft.

This is the back, of course, I don't think I much care for doing straps in this way. I found it was really bulky with 10 layers to sew through at once. Hopefully, it is sturdy enough to hold up. :)

The finishing touch is this wooden button out of my button stash. Nancy Jo sent it to me. CR picked it out and we both agreed it was the perfect accent. :P

Busy as a Bee

I thought I'd show some pics of things I've done over the last while or so. Sorry, but for some of them, you will have to turn your head. Still trying to get the hang of the picture editing thing.

This little duck is a tea towel I made for my a while back.
I just finished this dolly for my MIL. Her birthday is soon, and CR says that it just isn't right that I make them all and she not have fun with it too! :)She reminds me of something from little house on the prairie:)

You know those jeans that you've had forever and you hate to get rid of because "SOMEDAY" you might get back into them? I know you know what I'm talking about..hehe The pockets on my apron are from just those jeans.:) CR gave me the John Deere material.Isn't that the sweetest!! He's racking up some nice brownie points..hehe

This is the pocket detail. It's a piggie I pulled off of an Aunt Marthas pattern and then traced in tulips paints. I thought he was cute with his little heart cheek! :)

I crocheted this last fall.It is a lot easier than it looks, but really time consuming. CR said he wanted one for us. I have a tendency to do projects and give them away. Once in while, it is nice to pretty up the house here too!

This is a pillowcase that I just finished for my MIL anniversary. Her favorite color is green. I hope she likes this one! :) I really liked this pattern once I finished it. I might have to make myself a set. In orange or lime green maybe. Something nice and Springy!!:)

Well, I guess that's it until I get my bottom in gear a little more and get to being busier than a bee!hehe

A Giveaway from HomesteaderBelle

Belle is having a pretty neat giveaway over at her blog. Make sure to check it out.(It's kinda for the younger set ;) )
Thanks Belle!

Go to www.homesteaderbelle.blogspot.com

Tori's New Pinafore-Repurposed Dress

I made this:

From this:

It was intended to be a jumper, but when Tori saw it, she said, "Oh, My big apron!" So, she now wears it as a pinafore everyday over everything. :) It should be fun trying to pry it away from her to wash it..lol :)

Tori in her pinafore..and Levi (the camera piggy)

All Finished!

Here is CR's first crochet project--ALL FINISHED!! already. He did a beautiful job. Of course, he made it for his Mom, but he wanted to be able to take a pic and he said it would look better if it wasn't just sitting on the table. I think it turned out real pretty if you just ignore the person wearing it...BLEK!! lol
I am so proud of him!

My Birthday Wonderfuls :)

Everyone has been so sweet with Birthday wishes for me this year. It is so nice to know so many are thinking of me on my special day. I wanted to share some of the sweet gifts I received. :) I found my self looking forward to the mail jeep's arrival more this week. Poor lady didn't know I'd be waiting with baited breath to see her coming.:) lol                                                                                  Uncle Bob and Aunt Jane sent me the most beautiful pink glittery birthday card especially for Niece. It was so sweet of them to remember! They always make me feel like a special part of the Matheny family.:)                                                                                                                                               Kenny, Valerie, and Emily sent me a groovy looking card. Lots of orange and glitter.:) (I adore glitter!!) What dear friends to take the time to remember my birthday! I sure do miss you guys!!

Isn't he just the sweetest little bee you've ever seen? Mom asked me which of her bee patterns I liked the best, and I wondered what was up and why she was asking me...lol...never did I guess that she had this too adorable clothespin bag in the makings! She hand embroidered him and his little flowers. I just love it. Too cute!!!
Lots of yummy fat quarters from Mom and Dad. The one has bears and sewing quotes on it. "Such a cut up!" How funny!! I am sure I can put these to good use! :)

My obsession with dishcloths continues! Notice the pig potholder on the bottom! I collect pigs; how perfect! I can hardly wait to try them....especially the pig! EVERY HOME NEEDS A PIG!! :@)
This box is so pretty. I love the scarlet ribbon tied in the front. It reminds me of a chocolate covered cherry.I can just imagine all the wonder goodies I can put it in.
CHERRIES!!!CHERRIES!!!CHERRIES!! I love cookbooks and cherries are one of my loves too! I saw this at a Hallmark store and pointed it out to Mom. I didn't think anything of it when she made an excuse to go to the restroom. Little did I know she was having it gift wrapped for me..lol

More polka dots too. There is just something about black and white polka dots or any polka dots for that matter that just scream FUN FUN FUN!!:P

It's always nice to have someone who knows your likes dislikes and loves. After 28 years of growing up, if anyone is going to know all about me, it's definitly going to be my Mom and Dad. :D

Thank you both for making it a wonderful Birthday! :) LOVE YOU!! <3
I was just talking about how I needed to get some pattern boxes for all the great patterns I've been given recently and my sister gave me TWO of these cute pattern boxes. :) Black and white with polka dots....I LOVE IT!! She also gave me a gift card to JoAnn Fabrics, which I am going to go shopping just as soon as it says this blog entry has posted..hehe! THANK YOU LESLIE!! <3u! My brother gave me this cup. I got myself the matching one, and was so tempted to get this one, but resisted the temptation and left it lonely on the shelf. How fun to see it when I opened the box to see it was the one I wanted. "Morning doesn't begin until after that second cup of coffee" AMEN!! :) He knows me so well. I love it! Plus the Irish Knots are one of my favorite designs. :)

THANKS JAMES!! Another birthday  package came on Saturday from my dear friend, Linda (a rose). It had two adorable apron patterns and a cute dolly pattern in it. I can hardly wait to try the patterns out!! The one reminds me of the pinafore that Anne wore over her school dress in Anne of Green Gables. I've already cut out the one I want to try.The other apron is so sweet and very feminine with ruffles, hearts, and pockets. I can picture myself wearing it sipping afternoon tea in the garden! :D THANK YOU,LINDA! :)
A wonderful package came in the mail this Friday, from Katmom, Grace. :) Isn't the fabric the cutest?? She also sent a delicious smelling lavender sachet and a crocheted dishcloth. Lavender is one of my favorite scents!! The dishcloth is not shown here as my Hubby surprised me by doing the gobs of dishes and used it!!lol..Well, he knows a good thing when he sees it! It is so pretty green and browns. It reminds me of the forest. THANK YOU,GRACE!! :)


These are two of my very favorite CDs. CR got them for me. I just love the rich voice of Patsy Cline singing Walking After Midnight!  Brad Paisley, apart from being super hunky, is another of my favorite singers with songs like Whiskey Lullaby and Little Moments. :

What crazy things warm weather does!

This is Sarge our, 4 year old Shepherd/Dobie. He isn't adjusting well to the winter weather up here in the North yet. Now, that we are having warmer weather and the ice is melting around his dog house, it is making some good old fashioned mud. Sarge will have none of it though.He tippy toed over the mud to get to the table. He climbed up on this table and stayed there almost all day. I need to go out and put straw down so that he will get his backside of my table...LOL! Spring does crazy things, I guess. ;)

At the Zoo and Lighthouse

On the beach looking out at the "Yucky Water" (the Ocean)
CR loves wading in the surf. Unless of course, a big waves come up from behind and soaks him.


The LIGHTHOUSE
At the Zoo
CR took the gator picture. I hate reptiles/amphibians. I don't care how cute his smile is!! 
This is how Levi and Tori spend almost the whole trip thru the zoo. It was all we could do keep them from climbing out and running after the animals..lol