Crafting with Kids

 We decided to make bird feeders that were easy to see if the birds loved them.  The squirrels really couldn't violate them!

They are just made with a red disposable cups, some thick string, peanut butter, and bird seed.

We caked the peanut butter all over the cup, after we fed and knotted the string through the top of the cup.  We took a plate and laid some bird seed on it, then rolled the peanut butter cups in the seed!  So easy and fun.

We made a scarecrow version of my daughter.  I think it turned out great.

Her body double is just her clothes, some clothes pins, pine straw, and a few sticks.

Cute

Today I got these cute pics of my daughter I ordered.  The Wall E pic is  so big I cannot scan the whole thing!  It is poster size.

I think they turned out great.  Each year they have kids take pictures and then choose what profession they would like to be.  So far she has been a Veterinarian, an Artist, and a Chef!

Such a fun idea.

2009

2010

2011

2011

Dirty Kid

Mommy I do not need a bath tonight.  I will take one tomorrow cuz I am not dirty.

I took pictures to show her how dirty. 

I hope your day is going well!  Still awaiting the arrival of the bugbabies btw.....they say it could take weeks!

Cute Pictures a father takes of his kids!

His name is Jason Lee a professional Photographer that takes unique pictures of his children.  He does other work , but I really enjoy the girls pictures the best!

 He has a blog dedicated to his girls and I am loving each and every picture!  Here is his Flickr .

Poor Puppies.....

SO I was making my Sunday List and came across a dessert  I HAD to make today.   This is what happened  when I ran to the corner market  for ten minutes......poor puppies.

Bandit, Rosalina, Savannah

Sadie

For the Girl in Your Life

Here is  collection of  cute things for little girls that I found around the web these past few weeks.

What cute outfits this Etsy shop has!  The model  attitude in the second picture is priceless!




She is certainly Rocking these Bell-bottoms





Work it Girl!



I also found a  wonderful stuffed cat and rabbit to cuddle.

It was not what I planned but.....

Plans change. Kids make sure of that!




So this week was crazy! Totally intended on being the disciplined girl and snap my shop into shape! well I found myself cleaning every nook in my house and I was pathological. I really do not know what got into me. Maybe wanting everything organized and clean. I guess that comes from weeks being home with your child and watching things get spilled! A lot.

I did complete some drawings of future pieces that popped into my head. Go me!



I hope your Friday is going well for you. Thanks for stopping by!

BOO!

Getting Into the Halloween spirit is not hard for me I love it so much.  I think we carved out four pumpkins so far and I have eight.  I have not done the final touches on them,  but here is what I did last year and I think they came out great. 

                                                                Roasted Pumpkin Seeds




There was also alot  of scarecrow making at my daughters school here are some highlights. In total there were 32! Which is really amazing and fun.  I think they all turned out great, and  here are my favorites.  I did a long shot of the row to give you an idea of  all the Frightfulness!

Here are some fun things you can do for you or with a child to give your porch some creepiness!

http://thinkcrafts.com/blog/2010/10/30/4-easy-halloween-decorations-you-can-make-with-your-kids/



I also loved the Halloween pictures on her site today celebrating this weekend.

http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/2010/10/spooky-inspiration.html

I AM FREE!!!   (silly)   I have to say that after watching the bus speed away ....I will miss  my daughter now that she has started school again.  Most summers parents are overwhelmed with the constant scheduling and rearranging for care while we fulfill obligations in life.   This year with her being older it gave me more  freedom and also I think we had some wonderful adventures.  We went horseback riding, camping, hiking, played video games,  worked out, and walking the dogs.  Simple things that we made fun.  I think I'm more weepy than her first day of school.

Well with this  freedom I will have  more studio time and workout time.  I am hoping my Metalsmithing store will be open by Halloween so more time will be a huge help.   I hope today you are able to do something you love as well!  Have a wonderful day!


Here is a recipe that my friends and family love.  I don't eat pork anymore but they all beg me to make it. 


---Stuffed Pork Chops---


3 garlic cloves


one carrot

one celery stalk

sausage(4 oz),

3 oz of pecans finely chopped

2 tbs of breadcrumbs

2 tsp flat leaf parsley

2tsp of thyme

1 1/2 tsp salt ,

1/2 tsp pepper

pinch of cayenne pepper,

6 one inch think pork butterfly cut chops





heat up olive oil in a pan and saute onion, garlic cook till softened....add diced celery and carrot....cook until tender......3 minutes or so.....add the sausage and cook until lightly browned....about five mins.....put in a bowl. stir in the pecans, bread crumbs, thyme, cayenne and let cool . preheat oven to 350.......put the chops down and on one side add the filling .....fold over the other side of chop and rub top of chop with olive oil, salt, pepper ....garlic or other seasonings you want ....bake for 30mins.

Southern Heat

We finally have received some much needed rain where I live.  Last year was so wet I don't think I had to water once. This year the ground is cracking underfoot with mother nature making designs showing her neglect. The flowers aren't as bright nor is the grass. Finally though she has given us a temporary reprieve.  I really love the summer rain how its  soothing rather than shocking like some rains . When I see the rain coming I  rush out to do yard work especially  this time of year.  We had been getting almost storms. They are storms that tease you and dissipate. It will thunder like crazy and then no rain. Its still hot and steamy after the storms to make you run inside and appreciate the air conditioner like never before. I should write brochures for the south don't you think?  Hotter than hell come on down!

Even with the lack of rain take a look at some pretty things I saw today.   Have a nice relaxing day!

Best Meatballs EVER!

This is a wonderful meatball recipe that I have.  It is totally simple, fast and easy for moms.   I also have my daughter help me make them which gets her to eat better when dinner rolls around.  Just something to think about.  Kids love to help even if they at first fight it.  They come around about half way through and smile telling you how wonderful you are to let them make dinner with you.  Making memories.....usually the simple things kids remember.  Have fun tonight with the one you love and hope you enjoy!


P.s.  My daughter dislikes anything that "looks" like a vegetable so the food processor is great to mask such unspeakable things.  Grind away then add to sauce.  I add peppers, lots of garlic and onions.  Have fun tonight with the one you love. 


Meatballs----


Pick the rosemary . Wrap the crackers in a kitchen towel and smash up until fine, breaking up any big bits with your hands. Add to a mixing bowl with mustard, ground meat, chopped rosemary and oregano. Crack in the egg and add a good pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, scrunch and mix up well. Divide into 4 large balls. With wet hands, divide each ball into 6 and roll into little meatballs—you should end up with 24. Drizzle them with olive oil and jiggle them about so they all get coated. Put them on a place, cover and place in the refrigerator until needed.



Sauce---

Pick the basil leaves, keeping any smaller ones to one side for later. Peel and finely chop the onion and the garlic. Finely slice the chile. Put a large pan of salted water on to boil. Next, heat a large fryng pan on a medium heat and add 2 lugs of olive oil. Add your onion to the frying pan and stir around for 7 minutes or until softened and lightly golden. Then add your garlic and chile, and as soon as they start to get some color add the large basil leaves. Add the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar. Bring to the boil and season to taste. Meanwhile, heat another large frying pan and add a lug of olive oil and your meatballs. Stir them around and cook for 8 -10 minutes until golden ( Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer until the past is ready, then remove from the heat.





ingredients

• 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

• handful of breadcrumbs

• 2 heaped teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 pound good quality ground beef, pork or a mixture of the two

• 1 heaped tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 large egg, preferably free range or organic

• Sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper

• Olive oil

• A small bunch of fresh basil

• 1 medium onion

• 2 cloves of garlic

• ½ a fresh or dried red chile

• 2 x 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 pound dried spaghetti or penne

• Parmesan cheese for grating