My First Craft Show of the Season

This weekend was my first craft show of the season. It went well. :) Here are a few pics of my booth setup. I was between a couple other booths, so all the blue sheets are from the booth next to mine.

I lowered the price on this arrangement to $20 - lots of lookers - I had 4 of them made - but no one bought . . maybe they'll sell at the next show. Who knows.

Hello :)

I threw this together real quick today . . just wanted something to post and say hi, and wish everyone in blogland a wonderful day :) I'm busy at work and haven't had time to take photos of new things to post . . . hopefully I can do so soon.

Chris Daughtry Concert!!

I found out at the last minute that Chris Daughtry was playing in Madison this past weekend, but it wasn't too late that I was able to get my hands on THE BEST tickets at a DEAL of a price (via eBay no less, can you believe it?!)!! Whoo Hoo!! I haven't been to a concert since my early 20's, but to see Chris live . . I couldn't pass it up - he's my fav! So three friends and I enjoyed the night front and center next to the stage seeing Daughtry Saturday night. I was concerned about getting smashed, but the standing area we were in was limited in number of people so that was not a problem whatsoever - Yay!! I only hope now having gone didn't affect my baby's sense of hearing!

Picture Time

My little girl ~ Abigaile, age 8, and little boy ~ Jacob, age 2. I got the kids outside last night and took a few pictures of them with the fall colors in the background. It seems my lens needs to be cleaned or maybe I need a new camera, as the pics have a fuzzy appearance to them.

Yes, I made my picture smaller on purpose! LOL . . I'm huge enough as it is, so there is no need to emphasize the fact. So anyways, thought I'd share a photo of pregnant me as a few people have wanted to see how big I am - LOL. Abbie took this one for me.

Vintage Halloween Postcard Images

Enjoy!

Taylor's First (Freshman) Homecoming!

She was pretty excited, but called us to come and pick her up early from the dance because it was "boring". Yah, it usually is when you're a freshman, but just wait a few years . . I bet then she'll wish it lasted longer. I made the corsage for her. :)

Altered Vintage Halloween Images

I was playing on my computer a bit, as I often like to do with vintage photos, and came up with these altered images embellished with Halloween clipart. Enjoy!

Shutters Brought to Life

I still want to prim these up a bit by sanding, but thought I'd share a picture of the shutters I decorated over the weekend. I found a set of unfinished shutters at a garage sale for $1 this past summer. So finally I got around to painting (they're actually a dark burgandy rather than black as they appear in the pic) and decorated with the pine cone/pipberry sprig. I might add a li'l something more to them yet.

Halloween ATC

Here's the "Spooky" ATC I put together this past weekend. It's a cool, rainy day . . . sure would have been nice to have been able to sleep in this morning, but alas, work calls my name Monday through Friday (and Jacob calls my name bright and early every Saturday and Sunday, so there's no "sleeping in" for this mamma). Have a great day everyone :)

Altered Bingo Card

I was busy yesterday and got quite a bit accomplished. Today I'll share with you the altered vintage bingo card I made. I have this listed for sale in my selling blog too: http://prim-primitives.blogspot.com/ in case anyone is interested. :)

Tonight is THE big game! Yes, being a "Wisconsinite" I'm a Packer fan . . though even with all the hoopla in Brett Favre's retirement/non-retirement and going to first the Jets and now the Vikings, I'm still (secretly - shhhh . . I didn't say this . . lol) a Favre fan too. I have a feeling that the Vikings may win, but I have to root for my Pack! I'm going to either make homemade pizza tonight or may pick up a couple of pizza's from Pizza Hut on my way home from work. Have a wonderful day everyone :)

Prim Candy Canes

I've been getting things made for an upcoming winter craft fair. Here are some of the prim candy canes I've been working on, though I really don't feel the photo shows them off very well. I'm off to make more right now, then onto a few other craft items :) Hope everyone's enjoying the weekend!

I Adore Marsha's Creations ~ Tumble Fish Studio!

I was a lucky blog winner!! I won a drawing Marsha of http://tumblefishstudio.blogspot.com/ held recently for her blogoversary! Marsha is sooooo very talented ~ I truly adore her work beyond words. I received a limited edition print of her "Pandora's Keeper" piece, shown in the upper right. The other three pieces she sent were postcard prints of some of her wonderful works! I love it all!!!

Canning Homemade Tomato Soup

It's canning season. I've been busy and have canned lots of tomato soup, stewed tomatos, and applesauce. So, I thought since many people ask for my canned homemade tomato soup recipe, I'd share it with you all here. :)

8 quarts of tomatos - leave peeling on, core stem out, cut into quarters

6 small onions - dice

1 stalk celery - dice

Cook in a kettle on stovetop together until soft - then put through colandar.

Take about 3 cups or so of the juice and add 1 cup of flour to the tomato juice, beating with a mixer, then add to the rest of the tomato juice. Doing so this way prevents it from getting clumpy.

Add to the tomato juice:

1/4 Cup canning salt

1 Cup white sugar

1 stick of butter

Bring to a boil, then add to your sterilized canning jars.

It is sooooooooo good! Everyone who's tried this soup raves about how good it tastes.

Happy Birthday Abbie!!

My little girl turned 8 this week! Time sure flies.

~* Autumn Decor & Hustlerfest Fun *~

So I've begun my fall/halloween decorating. I should have moved my truck so it wasn't in the background before taking this photo - oh well . . . notice two of our kittens are peeking in through the window ~ hee hee.

Mike is always complaining that my decor is just too "cluttered" . . but ya know what? I don't care. I like how it comes together. Until I get a larger house, I want to have my favorite things on display, and since we don't have a lot of room to display my things right now, they'll have to be together as they are. If we had more space, I either would have things more spread out or . . just maybe . . who knows . . . I just might be compelled to buy more to fill up the space. LOL I love my prim goodies and I feel the more the merrier, the more homey the feel.

A couple of weeks ago was our local fest. Abbie was in the pie eating contest for the second year in a row, this year coming in third. She's in red in these photos. Next to her in the green top is her cousin, my niece, Kate. Good thing the pie is pumpkin; otherwise, Abbie would not have been in it, as that's the ONLY kind of pie she will eat.

And she also competed in the kids pedal pull. Last year she won her age group. This year, she couldn't really pedal the small tractor as she was too big for it. Imagine an adult trying to pedal a baby tricycle - it's pretty hard to do when it's simply too small for you. Sure enough, for the next age group they brought out a larger tractor that would have worked much better for her. I told her she'll have to try again next year and will probably have better luck.

Vintage Halloween Costume Image Freebies

Yes, it's been awhile. I really must get a bunch of photos uploaded so I can get posting more regularly ~ I have bunches in my camera ready to share of various things. Hopefully I can make the time to do so tonight after I get the kids tucked into bed. So much to do, never enough time! Have a great evening everyone :)

Vintage Children Images

I know they're a bit blurry . . sorry . . but they are still cute. Have a great day!

Daddy's Boots!

My "big boy" posing in daddy's boots. :)

Altered Art Swap!

I was in an altered art swap on a group I belong to, A Primitive Journey: http://aprimitivejourney.proboards.com/index.cgi I just have to share with you the wonderful altered art paper bag album I received from Robin of http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5232246 LOVE IT!! She does amazing work. :)

As has been the case for me lately, I'm still lacking energy; therefore, the reason I haven't been posting too frequently as of late. I had a bit of a scare in the middle of the night and due to it had an ultrasound this morning, but all is well :) The baby is growing, active, and has a good heartbeat.

Hope everyone's doing well!

Guess What?

Not only did I win the giveway posted below, I lucked out and was the lucky winner of my choice of an awesome Santa painted softball or baseball from "B" at http://www.wood-n-stitches.blogspot.com/ . I chose the softball and I absolutely love it! Thanks B!!! :)

What a Wonderful Surprise!!

I had the pleasure of receiving these wonderful goodies as I won the blog contest Cindy hosted on her blog: http://plumtreeantiques.blogspot.com/ I LOVE IT ALL!!! Thanks so much Cindy. She has a wonderful blog with photos of so many goodies she has in her store - I wish I lived closer so I could visit her wonderful antique store.

I haven't blogged for a bit as I've been really busy between work and home and spending time with my children that I just haven't found the time to get photos uploaded for my blog. And, add in the fact that I'm still quite tired and nauseous all the time - that certainly doesn't help.

I have several photos on my camera I need to take the time to download and share soon. Hope everyone's enjoying their summer . . . I can't believe it's nearing an end already!

Deer

Nothing new for me to talk about really. Due to the pregnancy I have been extra tired and a bit nauseous, and between work and housework upon arriving home I haven't found time to work on any new projects. I've been feeling lazy so to say, but I really am doing a lot, just not as much as I'm accustomed to doing. We're planning to go camping this weekend with family and friends. Hopefully it's more relaxing than feeling like it's work as it seemed to be more than it should the last time we went. And, hopefully, it doesn't rain as is forecast for Saturday!

My Favorite Places

We visited my parents farm yesterday, and took the kids for a walk to explore and pick berries. I always LOVE to do this, as I love the beauty of the outdoors on their farm and pastures. Abbie, Jacob, & Taylor. Looking for tadpoles - found some too!

A view of my parents farm.

Neat old barn and the interior view of it.

Tinted Sweet Vintage Children

It's unseasonably cold here in Wisconsin, with temps. today not even yet reaching 60! So unusual mid summer! I hope this weather changes for the warmer - much warmer - soon so we can make more use of our outdoor pool.

I rented a movie to settle down and watch later on tonight after Jacob is tucked into bed. The girls will enjoy it with me as it's a "scary" new release. I love realistic scary movies.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone :)

I Have a Secret . . . Oh Baby!!

. . . but now I'm telling :) Some of you may know already . . some not. I have been soooo tired lately. Recently I started crying upon getting to work for no apparant reason, then a few times throughout that day. I started to think perhaps I was depressed. I had felt a bit stressed for a couple of months, so figured it was getting to me to the point of depression. Well, I am not depressed! :) Happy, happy, joy, joy! I was shocked, as this was so unexpected and not planned, but this is good news. My children are going to have a baby brother or sister in about 7 months. Maybe I'm breaking the news early, but I am not one who can keep this to myself for too long. No wonder I have been so tired lately! No wonder I was overly emotional that day. LOL. I think my emotions are in check now . . but who knows with pregnancy hormones. I'm feeling good . . just tired . . but good :)

We had planned to be done having children, but God has blessed us with this pleasant surprise. Here I was planning to go out last Friday with friends and socialize a bit ~ have a few drinks perhaps . . as it was my birthday. But since we just found this news out a week prior, our plans changed and we stayed home. Mike made a wonderful birthday supper for me and we settled in and watched a good movie. Oh gosh, don't ask how old . . . I felt so much older when Jacob was born than Abbie, I can only imagine how "old" I'll feel upon the birth of this child. I was just used to finally getting to sleep through the night once again . . and now I'll have many interrupted nights of sleep again soon. But anyway, I did just turn 37! Oh my! I only feel my actual age when I'm so tired, mostly due to lack of sleep, but now due to pregnancy hormones . . and when I see the gray hairs starting to pop through at my temples and at the tops of my bang line . . then it's time to quickly color my hair again! Otherwise, I feel as though I'm maybe 28 or so . . maybe 30. Remember ~ You're only as old as you feel!! :) Have a wonderful week everyone :)

My Mind Wide Open Challenge Entry

So here's my latest Mind Wide Open entry. What do you think? (You can click to enlarge for details). I really enjoyed putting this piece together. If you'd like to see the other entries and cast your vote, take a look here: http://mind-wideopen.blogspot.com/2009/07/come-on-lets-vote.html

Happy Independance Day Weekend!

Happy 4th of July (almost)!! We have a few things planned for the weekend, including a get together at my aunt & uncle's lakeside home on Saturday afternoon, then visting with relatives camping nearby and watching a lighted boat show on the lake from the beach. Mike and the kids plan to camp with them - I however plan to visit for awhile but then return home that night to sleep so I can spend some time to myself the following day to work on some artwork. Hopefully my plan works . . time will tell. LOL. If I end up bringing Jacob home with me I will not be able to do as I wish as it's impossible to work on artwork when I'm home alone with my baby boy. He wants momma's full attention to play with him.

Tonight I am thinking of going to to visit my parents on the farm. Jacob loves going there to see the cows, tractors, and all the other sights. I may take some food to cookout on the grill and surprise my parents with supper too.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I know it's only Thursday, but with tomorrow being a holiday day off from work, it's now the start of my holiday weekend!!!

My Baby Boy is 2!!!

Jacob's 2nd birthday was yesterday. He had a great time with his cake and presents. He LOVES his caterpillar front end loader/backhoe toy and can't get enough of it! Spaghetti for supper on his 2nd birthday! Oooohhhh - blowing out the candles . . and I see a bit of drool! LOL

Abbie, Jacob, & Mommy!

Playing with his favorite new toy!And having more fun with his new toys!This past weekend we spent a day at the lake with Abbie & Jacob's cousins. It was a beautiful day!

Cute Colored Vintage Images

Thank You Sharon!

I was lucky in that I won a blog giveaway from Sharon at http://myvintagestudio.blogspot.com/ And let me tell you, it could not have arrived on a better day! I had the absolute worst day at work in my 16-year career to date yesterday in which I seriously would have resigned if I didn't need my job. Today's a new day and with the arrival of my sweet package with extra goodies I feel much better. Thank You so much Sharon!!! :)

~*Altered Americana*~

Finished these up today.

I Decided . . .

. . . to try a Selling Blog. So here it is . . I'll be adding new things soon! :) http://prim-primitives.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!! :)

My Little Boy

I'm not sure what happened ~ this photo is NOT edited. I must have been moved a bit when I took the picture! But, I thought it was quite neat how it turned out in that my little boy's face seems to have come through clear, while the rest of the photo is blurred. Not even two weeks and he's going to turn 2 years old! Time really does fly!

*I Wish You Happiness*

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy. Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Brother Sister

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! I have been busy with work during the day and my children and housework during the evenings, but have been getting outside after work most evenings to enjoy good brisk long walks. I love getting outside when the weather is nice, and I need it after working in front of a computer most of the day! Enjoy the images. :)

I Entered Again ~ My First Altered Bottle!

I decided to enter this month's Mind Wide Open challenge, as I adore the image Gail has posted for this months contest. I decided on using the image for this challenge to create my first ever altered art bottle. Here's what I came up with.

Please take a look at the other entries in this challenge and feel free to vote as you wish! :) Have a great day! http://mind-wideopen.blogspot.com/2009/06/entries-are-up-and-you-can-vote.html

Award Time!

Cris at http://mommysmidwestmountain.blogspot.com/ presented me with this wonderful award. Thank you so much Cris!! Please take a look at her blog - she creates beautiful folk art paintings!

I'd like to pass this on to the following who all have wonderful blogs and create beautiful works of art!:

Heather of http://creativesolace.blogspot.com/

Lizzie of http://lizziebusyhandmade.blogspot.com/

Jennifer of http://tamalecat2.blogspot.com/

Char of http://charsethman.blogspot.com/

A Few Sweet Vintage Children Images

Have fun! I LOVE the first image especially, though love them all and can't wait to create some new altered art pieces with these images.

The week has been busy again, as are most. I'm finding it harder and harder to find time to work on my altered art with work, the kids, and now tending to my garden and also trying to get in some exercise. There's never ending housework with lots of that to do tonight as we've had after school activities the past three nights in a row. Hope everyone's enjoying their day :)

Captured Fairy & Altered Bingo Card

Finished these up today. :) Actually the more I look at it, the more I think I'm still going to do a bit more with the altered bingo card . . . I'll be back with the makeover later on :)

Some Oldies I've Made

Here are a few things I made over the years. The two tag pictures I backed with vintage cutter quilts before framing. For the prim heart, I used wood from my great grandfather's old barn ~ the barn is well over 150 years old and has now fallen down.

Have a wonderful day! I'm off with my sister to surprise my mom and clean her house without notice :)