Something sweet

A little while back, I saw Pioneer Woman's Oatmeal Whoopie Pie recipe post, and knew I needed to try it.  One of Mr. Pickup's favorite treats are Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies.

This looked like a great DIY version.

Playing with Pom Poms

Wow, I didn't mean to disappear for a week like that!  It's been a crazy week.  We set the goal of being ready for paint by last Saturday...which meant late nights and lots of extra time at the house.  Good news...we made our self-imposed deadline.  Bad news...the blog suffered a bit.  I hope you'll understand.  I thought today I'd show you a fun take on making little pom poms.

What I'm about

Additional contact info can be found HERE.

The delightful Sarah at Modern Country Style is hosting a linky party of a different sort.  She's challenged bloggers to define their blogs, write about it, and then link up HERE.

It really got me thinking.  Why do I blog?  What is my blog about?  What do I hope to accomplish through blogging?

Want to play along?

Some happy circumstances are aligning right now.  Liesl Gibson ( of Oliver+S fame) has just released her first set of patterns for women...and they are on sale right now at JoAnn's for $1.99.  Hurry, go grab one!

I am not affiliated with Liesl, just a fan of her designs.  I think it would be fun to try a sew-along of one of her new patterns, next month when it feels more like spring and my wardrobe is ready for something happy.  My favorite was the Portfolio Dress.  Would you guys be game?  Let me know!

I am finally lucky

After feeling like I never won anything, I've been lucky enough to win (or be given) some really great things.  I was so excited, I had to show you.

First up, a lovely print from Tollipop, which I won through Sparkle Power.  Isn't she adorable?

It took me a little while to find an appropriate frame.  I finally found one at Goodwill.  I decoupaged the paper to the matte.  She is now happily installed in my girls' room.  Perfect for my older girl who loves to jump rope.

Second up, a fabulous pillow cover from Stacey at Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy.  I love every fabric she chose.  It really brightens things up. 

Now I need some more fun throw pillows!

Third, these darling name letters from my sister-in-law.  I love the papers she used. 

A hearty thanks to each of them.  I feel incredibly lucky.

More than you want to know?

So, I read Amy's post, and thought I'd play along, too. 

Hi, I'm Chris.  Here I am yesterday.  I don't take a lot of pictures of myself.  I am more comfortable behind the lens than in front of it.

Here are some random facts about me, in no particular order.

I am a neat freak who can't stay neat.  I love things ordered, but I also have a tendency to pile things up in random corners. 

I am the oldest child of two oldest children.  It's been my privilege to know not only my grandparents really well, but through high school age, know some of my great-grandparents. 

My parents moved our family from Arizona to Utah the summer before my junior year.  It was a tricky transition, but I wouldn't change it for anything.

I'm the only girl in my family.  Living in the dorm my freshman year was very eye opening.  That being said, the friends I made that year are still incredibly close.  They are my sisters.  When Wes and I were married, although they lived all over, each girl came to our wedding, some with babes in tow.   

I worry at times about parenting my older children.  Preschoolers I can handle...tweens and teens, not so much.

I can stay away from most sweets, but I can't lay off semi-sweet chocolate chips.  I have a physical need for dark chocolate.  I'm the only one in my family who will eat Hershey's special dark.

I took AP art in high school, and only earned a 2 on my portfolio.  It was so devastating I didn't draw or paint for two years after that. 

Here's our second home.  (sigh)

Wes and I were able to build our first home (and six others) through a non-profit housing program.  With the skills learned and sweat equity, we were able to build our second home.  I can frame, do finish work, and paint with the best of them.  :)  I also learned how to tile with our second home.  I hate to be hot.  (Funny coming from a kid from Phoenix, huh?)  I'd much rather be cold and bundle up than be sweaty...there's only so much you can tastefully remove!   Still, I consider myself a desert rat.  Humidity and I don't get a long.

So now that I've shared a little more about me...how about you?  Anything fun you'd like to share so I can get to know you better? 

Back to laundry...so I can play again.

I confess whilst working on my new pattern, I let somethings slide.  My laundry is now piled up on my bed.  It's clean, I promise.  It just needs to be sorted, folded, and because I'm tardy, ironed.  Rats.  Once I get that taken care of and my bathroom scrubbed, I'll be jumping back into sewing for Christmas gifts.  I'll definitely be making some Symbols of Christmas packets.  I'm planning on making a Birthday Banner, and some fun kitchen items.  I have some nieces who need some hair accessories....ok wish me luck getting through that mess.

Also, I have to give a shout out to the wonderful gals at Sew Mama Sew.  Their Christmas gift round ups have been fabulous.  I have so many new gift ideas I'm thinking of.  They even featured my Teacher's Cover All Apron, in their Gifts for Teachers Round up!  Thank you!

Also, Sweet Shonda from Knowlton Nest gave me a blog award.   I really don't have time to forward it, but I wanted her to know how grateful I am for her kindness.

Why I love the big brown truck

Thank you, Big Brown, for dropping off wonderful brown packages like this on my doorstep.

Care for a peek into the box's contents?

Now you're curious as to what I might be making with this filmy stuff, huh?

I'd love to know your guesses!