Summer is waning...

Hello.

I hope that you've enjoyed your summer holidays like we have.  It's not that we've had extravagant plans, we just did the regular kind of stuff.

A favorite handmade gift for baby

My mom and grandma refer to babies as "little bits".  I love making these bibs as gifts for new babies and their mamas.  It's my Buster Bib pattern in the small size. (Sorry, I'm not currently selling anything right now.)

Easter, and I'm feeling like the bionic woman.

Hi there.

Here are my kids on Easter Sunday.

hello...anyone there?

Hello.  My name is Chris and I used to blog a lot, but then life got really crazy...and it's been a few weeks.

This post is mostly for those who noticed my absence and checked up on me (thank you!).

Purse for me + zippy pouch

Did I mention I made a new purse?

When Anna introduced her Sidekick tote pattern, I knew I'd want to try it.  When I found out last November that I'd need to carry extra stuff with me, it was time.

Sweetheart Placemats Tutorial + Real Napkins

 Here's my latest "late, but at least I finished it", gift.

We had several weddings that we were invited to over Christmas...{I told you I was late}...and I finally got their gifts made and in the mail.  I thought a romantic evening at home would be more fun with pretty placemats and napkins, and this is the result.  Feel like making some too?

Mom's Go Anywhere Bag

Sorry for the unintended absence.  Work related travel + diabetes = life totally out of kilter for at least two weeks.

Getting back to my homemade Christmas gift parade, I am so excited to show you my mom's tote bag.

Travel Organizer for the Auto

My brother and his wife have several extended travel plans this coming year, and asked for something to help keep the back seat tidy for their Christmas gift.  This is what I came up with:

All was bright.

It really was.

The extended blogging break was nice also...unplanned, but nice.

Paper Plate Christmas Tree Garland

To begin, may I offer my heart-felt love and support to all those who've been affected by the events in New Town, CT.  It is a bitter reminder that life is precious.  I hope the following post might give you an idea of something fun to do with your little ones...and hold them even closer.

Dolly needed something fun to do the other day. I had seen THIS idea on pinterest, and thought it would be fun to try.

Christmas Tid-Bits 2012

Hi all.

It's that busy, wonderful time.  I've been stitching up a storm in my spare minutes, and enjoying decorating our new home for Christmas.

Our Christmas tree is covered with memories.

Blessed with Aqua Sky + Healthy Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

>>>>>>>>>This is not a sponsored post....I just had to share my good fortune>>>>>>>>>

Big title...I know. There's been a few silver linings to this whole diabetes mess. In trying to find healthy recipes, I found Maria Emmerich's blog and had my very narrow low-carb world opened up a lot. I also discovered Swerve Sweetener. Most sugar replacement products don't agree with my tummy, but Swerve is different, and has made a big difference for me.

Well, long story short, Swerve sponsored a giveaway on Maria's blog for a Kitchenaid Mixer.  And I won.  I still am in a bit of shock.  I got to pick my color, so this Aqua Sky beauty now lives on my counter.

Twine Pom Pom Garland Tutorial

I'm not sure if you remember or not, but a while back I discovered that cotton twine makes fantastic pom poms with really fun texture.

I figured out a way to make my new favorite pom pom into a garland for our Christmas tree.  Want to try one too?

Thankful for Family

Although travel with kiddos is always a bit crazy, we are so glad we made the effort to visit my Arizona family for Thanksgiving last week.

Traveling with family is love in motion.

Yummy French Toast for Guests

Due to some unexpected life circumstances, I am pulling out a guest post I wrote last fall.  It's a yummy recipe I shared with Stacey at Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy. 

 I actually was given this recipe in a cookbook about 14 years ago.  One of those great church lady recipe books with the homey recipes.

It's called McCoy's Mill French Toast.  Let me preface by saying I'm not a food blogger, and the day I made this it was rainy and cold, which is perfect for a warm gooey dinner, but not so much for photos.  It was just too good not to share!

Family Reunion Dress

I never did show you how the dress I made for Big Sister came out.

I didn't think about how the dark brown fabric would show up on camera...so this is the best I could do!

Ruffled Pillowcase Apron Tutorial

I actually designed this apron over a year ago...but wanted to make a few more before I wrote the instructions.  My how some things have changed...

and funny how I was wearing the same shirt!

Halloween 2012

Better late than never...

Sundance Catalog Inspired Clock Revamp

Sometimes things just turn out like you hope.  This is one of those projects!

What a difference paint can make.

I love October.

A fun photo essay of things going on around the Pickup household this week.

It's a lovely golden October morning here in Southern Idaho.