Mother's Day Surprise

Not too long after I posted about our lovely dinner, we went for a nice bike ride down to the harbor. We were heading back and Lil Farmer had another accident. He crashed into an information sign. He split his lip open quite badly. We spent 45 minutes trying to find an open Urgent Care (5 different locations) and finally took him to an ER. After hours, he received a painful stitch on the inside and an equally painful stitch on the outside. Frankly he would have received more but the doctor failed to numb him adequately and it was apparent Lil Farmer could feel the needle insertion, etc. He is tired today from his ordeal but happy and eating. I'm sure a scar will appear in time, but there isn't much we can do about that. Heal quick little buddy!

Mother's Day Blessings

Just one of many gifts my family bestowed upon me this Mother's Day. The sweetest day my dear husband has ever prepared for me.

Silky Print Dress

Here is my beautiful dress I have been working on for 14 months. It is a stunning print on and I am looking forward to finishing the side zipper. I just finished ripping it out again and am about to add some fabric to the seam so that my zipper has more fabric to attach to. It wasn't too small, but rather the zipper was unstable with the raveling fabric. I also need to hem the bottom and place buttons. One day this week I hope to be completed and will post a picture wearing it! I might need to rethink our evening snack plans!

Twirly Skirt Time

I have been busy making some quick skirts for Sweet Sis. The narrow one is from Simplicity 2576, which is meant to be a teaching pattern for you girls to learn to sew. Very Simple. The second skirt is from The King's Daughters Ruffled Skirt Pattern, also simple but a tad more time due to gathering. The first from cut out to finished product was under 45 min. The second one was an hour and 15 minutes.  I rarely do it all at once but can get it done in a day or evening. I plan on a denim ruffle for her next skirt. I have two Mommy dresses to finish first. One has been in the works for nearly 2 years. I am having trouble with the bodice side seam zipper, but I have worked out a solution in theory, so I just need to do it! I would rather do the quick gratifying projects then dig in and fix a problem.  That sounds like a seamstress' sermon! By for now from the pin cushion pulpit, Country Needles

Granola Time!

Every few weeks, I make a large batch of granola for the family. I think they would eat it everyday! I like to try different recipes, but this one is my old faithful. It is a cost effective non-oil recipe. I enjoy the full maple syrup varieties, but it is expensive to use pure maple syrup. No oil is healthier and lower calories. Try it and tell me what you think! One word of caution: use a strong blender or soften dates ahead of time by boiling in water for 10 minutes (making sure to drain water before adding to recipe).
Maple Nut Granola
By Neva Brackett's "7 Secrets" Cookbook
Combine in blender:
1 C water
1/2 C honey
1 T molasses
1 T vanilla
1 tsp maple flavoring
1 tsp salt
2 C pitted dates
1 C nuts (walnut, Brazil nut, peanut, or almonds)
Combine in bowl:
13 C old-fashioned oats
1-2 C quick oats, as needed
1/2 C shredded unsweetened coconut
1-2 C sliced almonds or other nuts
1 C raw hulled pumpkin seeds (we prefer green)
Add wet mixture. Thoroughly mix, adding extra quick oats if too wet, and spread onto two large cookie sheets. Place in oven overnight at 175F.

I will post a picture of finished product in the morning!
Well Kind Heart loves the granola! He is finishing his morning devotion CD, thus the ear buds!

Sewing & Running!

I always have a sewing project in progress and most of the time multiple projects! Today I finished a dress for Sweet Sis from a new pattern I purchased called Lizzy by Bonnie Blue Designs.  I purchased the fabric from SewBaby and it is a very good quality cotton. I am learning how important quality fabric is in the lay and appearance of one's garment. The standard Joann's Fabric does not cut it for all garments!  I added significant length to the pattern but think I could have shortened it by 2 inches. The dress is about one size too big, which is the correct size to sew. Next month she will be growing into it!

Baking Bread and Making Memories

This afternoon, Sweet Sis and I baked some bread while the boys were busy doing car "stuff".  I love spending time with my only daughter! She is such a sweetie and a delight. She loves to do anything that I am doing! The boys were not quite as good of a shadow as her, to me anyway, and I guess that is the way God designed it.  Here are some pictures of our time together.