Pegs Life In The Button Jar

Amanda

2012-01-04T09:49:00.001-06:00

My daughter Amanda is leaving for 10 months in February for Americore. She has started a blog to document her adventures. If you get a chance stop by and see what she is up to. http://amandasamericorpsexperience.blogspot.com. So proud of this kid!

Blogging For Books Review: Torn

2011-12-30T19:31:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading Torn by Jud Wilhite In it he teaches that when we trust in God and his word the pieces of our lives will come together. Maybe not always as we had thought or planned but in hind site in the way it was supposed to be. A good book with a lot of real life examples and the application of Gods word to real life.

Christmas Pig

2011-12-02T20:53:00.001-06:00

Decoration in front of a cops house in my neighborhood. Cute! The kids don't get it?

2011-11-21T14:27:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Blogging For Books Review: A Sound Among The Trees

2011-11-11T12:36:00.001-06:00

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner is a great book! I love the way it follows the history of the family from the civil war to the present time. Rumors of espionage and ghosts add to the mystery. I really liked the characters and the flow of the book. I liked this book so much I am definitely going to read her other two books The Shape of Mercy and Lady in Waiting.

Blogging For Books Review: Enemies of the Heart

2011-08-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

I liked this book a lot. It is written in an easy to read conversational style. I love the way the author explains biblical stories in an easy to understand way and I ecspecially love the real life examples of these stories and the lessons to be learned from them.

It is clear that the author is a gifted pastor with a knack for giving common sense advice about why we do the things we do. He explains where our feelings of guilt, anger, greed and jealousy come from and how to confront these feelings and gives sound advice on getting past them.

Another great thing about this book are the discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book that you can work on with or without a group.

This book was provided free of charge by WaterBrook Press for this review.

Blogging For Books Review: Where Will You Go From Here

2011-08-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

I really liked this book by Valerie Burton who is a Certified Personal and Executive Coach.

When life takes an unexpected turn and knocks you off your course this book guides you to ask yourself the right questions and helps you to figure out what your next step should be. I like that she used her own personal experiences as well as those of others and takes you step by step through the initial shock to coming out on the other side stronger and better able to handle future unexpected setbacks

Using a unique combination of faith, common sense and psychology the author teaches what it means to be resilient in the face of adversity.

She takes you from assessing where you are, how you got there and how to begin the healing process. She calls this recovery "post-tramatic growth" and explains that all traumas, large and small, leave us changed. But by making wise decisions and looking for the lessons to be learned from this setback we CAN be strong, happy and confident no matter what life throws at us.

This book was provided free of charge by WaterBrook Press for this review.

What to do...

2011-02-01T18:20:00.000-06:00

What to do when your snowed in and your family wants dessert?

Make the easiest chocolate cake ever...

Easy Chocolate Cake

I'm not kidding it takes 5 minutes to mix.

And best of all you can be out of eggs and milk and still whip this cake up.

Easy Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups water

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tbl spoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Butter/grease and flour cake pan(s)

3 8" round or square

2 9" square

1 9"x13" or 7"x11" rectangle

1 10"x15"x1" jelly roll pan

Combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda & salt) in a large mixing bowl.

Add the wet ingredients (water, oil & vanilla).

Whisk all ingredients together until well mixed.

Pour evenly into your pan(s).

If your not going to ice the cakes at this point you can sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top before baking at this point.

Bake for 25-35 minutes. Until toothpick comes out of the center clean.

(I baked a 9"x13" pan for 35 minutes)

Let cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar or ice.

My Favorite Cookbook...by Pioneer Woman Ree Drummand

2011-01-29T21:01:00.001-06:00

I have to admit I'm not the greatest cook in the world but I do enjoy cooking. With my kids getting older and fending for themselves and my husband working two jobs I just don't have to cook every night. When its just my daughter and me home we don't really cook a meal we mostly just have soups, salads and sandwiches...whatever is easy. But lately I've had more time to spend in the kitchen trying new recipes and enjoying every minute of it.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks

A few months ago I picked up a copy of Ree Drummond's cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I've followed her blog for a couple of years now and have always loved her quirky style. Her recipes are family friendly and so easy! No fancy ingredients here...lots of times I already have what I need in the pantry or freezer and can easily whip up one of her recipes. She also writes each recipe out step by step with great pictures so even I can follow along and not screw them up!

I will be posting some of our favorite recipe's from the cookbook along with some of my families other favorites.

Next month Ree is coming to St Louis on a book tour for her newest book, a novel, The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. She also wrote a cute children's book, Charlie the Ranch Dog, that is coming out in the Spring. She posts about Charlie all the time on her blog and now he will be the star of his own book! So cute. I'm going to the book signing with my 15 year old daughter who is also a huge fan.

If you haven't visited Ree's blog you really should she has a cute quirky style and takes awesome pictures too.

Here is the link: The Pioneer Woman

You can find all of her books at Amazon.

Charlie the Ranch Dog

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

SheyB Camera Strap $15

2011-01-21T10:28:00.002-06:00

Boy do I have a deal for you!

GroopDealz is showcasing the wonderful SheyB Camera Strap for $15 + $3 shipping

SWEET!.

If you've got a SLR camera, you certainly want your camera strap to reflect your creative personality.

You're not boring, why should your camera be?

Here is one of my favorites.

Hurry, this offer ends on Sunday at midnight.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T20:39:00.001-06:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Silhouette's For Christmas

2010-12-16T12:32:00.001-06:00

Sammy

I finished the last of the Silhouettes that needed to be completed for Christmas. Here are the ones I did of my nephew Sammy and my Niece Abby.

Abby

And here are the ones I did for a Christmas order.

Big Sister

Twin 1

Twin 2

They turned out pretty well and they will be there in plenty of time for Christmas.

Pretty Wreath's

2010-12-14T18:21:00.002-06:00

I found a couple of really cute and clever ideas for Christmas wreaths over at My Blessed Life.

Myra at My Blessed Life made both of these wreaths and has shared the tutorials with us.

Isn't this Peppermint Wreath the cutest thing!

Click here for the tutorial.

This one is a Pine Cone & Book Page Wreath, very pretty.

Click here for the tutorial.

Check out My Blessed Life for more great tutorial's.

Louie and Otis

2010-12-13T15:07:00.002-06:00

Sounds like the names of a couple of serial killers doesn't it?

No just my next door neighbors dogs. They have adopted us and now expect a treat every time they see us. I not only have to come up with a treat when we go outside but now they beg for one everytime I pull up in the car...I now have a large bag of treats in my car.

This is Louie...he sits and looks innocent until he gets his treat.

This is Otis he isn't so innocent he usually jumps and yelps until he gets his ..he refuses to sit for his treat but won't shut up until he gets it.

We've created a couple of monsters here...what was I thinking when I promised them that first treat!

Just a silly picture.

2010-12-12T12:54:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture of our silly Isabel in the tub. She is such a clown.

A Busy December

2010-12-11T14:53:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy December of rehearsals for my daughter Cherie.

Here she is with her sister Amanda after her performance in A Christmas Carol last week.

No time to rest after her play because she had a big Christmas program on Thursday night and a recital on Friday night.

Congratulations Cherie you did awesome in all of your performances. All those late nights of rehearsal really paid off.

House Number Giveaway

2010-11-19T21:05:00.001-06:00

Jennifer at TheOldPaintedCottage is having a giveaway. She has teamed up with the folks over at Ramsign to offer a Name Sign or a House Number Sign.

HomeGoods Giveaway

2010-11-15T14:10:00.000-06:00

Head on over to Blissfully Domestic where they are having a giveaway for a $250.00 HomeGoods MomCave Giveaway.

You don't want to miss this one!

Autumn Leaf Wreath

2010-11-11T17:10:00.002-06:00

I love it when I find a really origional idea like this one at Cut Out And Keep.

Look it's made with real Autumn Leaves! How simple and creative.

Check out the site for directions on how to make this wreath along with lots of other do it yourself craft projects.

This will be a good project to keep the bigger grandkids busy next week!

I'm a Winner!

2010-11-10T20:08:00.000-06:00

I just got the news that I won over at Where Women Create.

I won a themed party package from The TomKat Studios.

Kim creates the cutest gift tags, cupcake sticks, banners and lots more and her designs are all over the place. Kim's designs have been featured not only on Where Women Create but on Martha Stewart's web site and In Style magazine just to mention a few.

Kim also has a cute blog also called The TomKat Studio.

Now I just have to choose what design I want....Oh this isn't going to be easy!

Paper Leaf Garland a Tutorial

2010-11-09T20:06:00.000-06:00

Head on over to A Field Journal where Livy has shared a simple and cute leaf paper garland.

I'm gonna give this idea a try and see how I do...I may color the leaves in pretty fall colors and use them for my Thanksgiving table decorations.

GO! Giveaway

2010-11-08T12:42:00.001-06:00

Linda at Lavender Ridge is giving away a GO cutter from Accuquilt. Oh I want one of these so bad!!!!

KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway

2010-11-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

Hurry over to Add A Pinch where Robyn is giving away a RED KitchenAid Mixer!

If you love great easy recipes Robyn has some great ones.

Latest t-shirt quilt

2010-08-22T18:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest t-shirt quilt that I have made. This is the second quilt I have made for Kirsten. This one is my first double sided quilt. Not sure if anyone has ever done this with a t-shirt quilt before but she gave me so many t-shirts to make it into one side would have been huge. I was going to make two smaller quilts but my daughter had the idea to put one on the front and one on the back. It was harder to quilt for sure because each square on the front had to match up perfectly with the square on the back but I think she will be happy with the results.

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-04T04:53:00.001-05:00

What are you reading?

2010-07-01T20:30:00.002-05:00

I am on the sixth book in the series Elm Creek Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini. I purchased the first three books in an antique store last year and finally picked it up to read while my daugher was in summer school classes. I picked up the book last year because of the quilt referrece in the titles not knowing what to expext. Well I read the first three books before my daughers two week summer course was over. I ran to the book store and purchased the next three books in the series. It's two weeks later and I'm on the sixt in the series and have the next five books on order from Amazon. I can't remember when I was so into a series of book!

I highly recommend them to all of you...but be warned...they are addicting!

Here are the first six books:

The Quilters Apprentice, Round Robin, The Cross Countru Quilters, The Runaway Quilt, The Quilters Legacy & The Master Quilter

Aren't the covers great!

Oh yea did I mention that there are ten more books in the series? I'll post about them later once I get them.

On top of the books with the great characters and their stories there is a series of books with pictures and patterns of the quilts featured in the stories and made by the characters. How awesome to read about the quilts and be able to look at the actual quilts, made by the way by the author Jennifer Chiaverini.

These are the books with the quilts and patterns:

Elm Creek Quilts, More Elm Creek Quilts, Return to Elm Creek Quilts & Sylvia's Wedding Sampler

There is even a web site about the series ElmCreek.net check it out for more information on the books and all of the other obsessed readers like me out there.

All Things Dreamy

2010-04-30T14:56:00.002-05:00

Diane at Sweet European Dreams is featuring All Things Dreamy Thursdays on her blog.

Here is my addition (a day late).

What could be dreamier than vintage pillow cases?

Here are a few I have in my Etsy shop right now:

PrettyEmbroiderd Butterflies

Cottage Style Purple Crochet

Cottage Style Peach Crochet

Embroidered Flower Basket

Who wouldn't have a dreamy nights sleep on something this pretty!

If you would like to join us on Thursdays and share your "dreamy" stuff go on over to SweetEuropeanDreams and sign up.

Words of Wisdom ~ week 2

2010-04-27T05:17:00.001-05:00

“Your sacred space is where you find yourself again and again.”
Joseph Campbell

PRETTY PINS

2010-04-25T17:06:00.000-05:00

People don't wear fancy pins or brooches much anymore but they sure are pretty to look at!

They always make me smile and these examples from SouthernLadysVintage are some of the prettiest.

Check out this black and white one here.

This blue and white one can be found here.

This one is my favorite! You can find it here.

Aren't these pictures great!

Head on over to SouthernLadysVintage ETSY shop to see all of her other great vintage finds.

(all photos used with permission of SouthernLadysVintage)

Handkerchief Project

2010-04-19T11:23:00.001-05:00

HANKERCHIEF DRESSES

Here are a few of the vintage handkerchief dresses I made for my Etsy shop The Vintage Button Jar.

Words of Wisdom ~ week 1

2010-04-18T16:06:00.002-05:00

Words To Live By ~ week 1

You can't have everything. Where would you put it?”—Steven Wright

(items above from Etsy treasuries created by SoutherLadysVintage)

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!

I chose this image because my daughter came home for Easter with baby chicks for the grandkids. We had them at my house for three days. They are so cute! Here are some pics of our little chickies...

The kids meeting the chicks...

Isabel met them after her nap.

My daughter has a friend at work that lives on a farm so after enjoying them for the long weekend we sent them to live with all the other baby chicks on the farm. Hope you all had a great Easter!

Me and the kids

2010-03-30T14:44:00.000-05:00

Me and the kids...

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

2010-03-16T22:27:00.000-05:00

I picked this picture because it reminded me of my grandma "buzzy"...when I was little my grandma is the only one that called me Colleen.

The name on my birth certificate is Mary Margaret Colleen.

My grandma's maiden name was Fitzgerald...she was the baby of 12...raised by her four older sisters after her parents passed away.

She was a character and proud to be IRISH!

She's been gone 20 years now and I miss her...she spoiled me rotten!

Tuesday Tip

2010-03-16T08:02:00.004-05:00

Here is a tip I sent into the VMTeam blogs Tuesday Tip series:

Don't you hate it when you find a great buy and the price is written on it in permanent marker?!

Here is the solution:

Put some hand sanitizer on the permanent marker and let sit until you see the ink begin to dissolve.

Wipe the hand sanitizer off and repeat if necessary.

My New Space

2010-02-28T23:31:00.004-06:00

A month ago I rented my first space ever!

It's one room upstairs at Antiques Galore in Kimmswick, MO.

These pictures were taken before I officially opened on February 1st.

I've been adding more and more each week so it's alot fuller now.

I've even had a few sales!

The dormer ceilings have been a challenge but I'm finding more and more creative ways to display things.

Thanks Connie for the opportunity and for all of your help. I'm learning so much and having a great time. It's great to have someone to go hunting for treasures with!

Win a C. Dianne Zweig Book

2010-02-26T18:06:00.000-06:00

Enter to win one of two great books by C. Dianne Zweig over at SweetCottageDreams.

You have your choice of:
Hot Cottage Collectibles

or
Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles

Vintage Market Team White Sale

2010-01-09T22:00:00.005-06:00

Check out this video of some of the items on sale:

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a26992ece310d1d8ce3eb6&skin_id=1006

White Sale

2010-01-08T17:38:00.000-06:00

Join me and the entire Etsy Vintage Market Team for our January White Sale.

You will find great deals on hundreds of vintage items.

January 10-17

Go to Etsy and search vmteamwhitesale

It's gonna be awesome!

Another Amazing Artist

2010-01-02T06:31:00.001-06:00

I found another super talented artist on Etsy!

His name is Dave and his Etsy shop is called Mountain Brook.

As you all know I love papercutting so naturally one of the items I always look for when I'm browsing online is anything to do with papercutting and silhouettes. When I first clicked on this shop I thought to myself WOW these are really cute papercuttings. But as I was looking at them I noticed they weren't photographed flat as most papercuttings are. I thought cool they are 3 dimensional but how did he do it? When I started reading the descriptions I realized they are cut out of wood and standing upright on a base!

How cool is this?!

This guy is good!

And to top it off they are really inexpensive.

I hope you will stop by Mountain Brook and see this amazing work and

maybe make a purchase or two.

I think this one is my favorite!

Peggy

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T05:34:00.001-06:00

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Peggy

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T17:13:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Chrismas and a Happy New Year!

Peggy

Silhouettes

2009-11-05T22:35:00.000-06:00

These are the silhouettes I have of my girls that were done 12 years ago. I have always treasured them and visiters to my home always comment on them.

I began offering these custom silhouette papercuttings in my Etsy shop and it is going over really well.
Holiday orders are already coming in!

I've done these cuttings for family and friends and I've even sold some but this is my first time offering them on Etsy.

I'm working on cuttings of my grandkids right now. I'll show them once they are done. We didn't get a good profile picture of the baby when they were here for Halloween so that is holding up my progress. I want to do single cuttings like these but I am also thinking about trying something with all of the kids in one frame...still working that idea out in my head.

Looks like I'll be a busy bee this holiday season!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T17:45:00.000-06:00

Getting ready

Hailey, Jayda, Jorge and Isabel

Hailey comparing lost teeth with her step sister Olivia

Rachel and baby Isabel

The neighbor boys Al Capone an alien and a ghoul

Little Bits of Fall

2009-10-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

Amazing!

2009-10-25T09:30:00.003-05:00

I have been papercutting for 15 years and I think I'm pretty good at it.

But when I see work like the piece below I have to bow at this artists feet.

I found it while browsing on Etsy and had to do a double take.

The artist doesn't give her name but the Etsy shop where you can find this and many more papercuttings is: papercutdiecut

ENJOY

Can you believe this isn't a real feather?

I am in awe.

It even moves like a feather!

Look at the detail!

Makes me want to write an old fashioned letter.

Wouldn't this look great over a desk.

BRAVO

Peggy

My Yahoo Groups

2009-10-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share some of the Yahoo Groups that I belong to.

t shirt quilt makers
A friendly place for anyone interested in t shirt quilts; making them or finding someone to make one for you.

CQembellishers
If you share a fascination and enthusiasm for crazy quilting and the arts of embellishment this group is for you.

CraftersAmongUs
A group for crafters to find friendship and help with crafting (all crafts), share recipes, gardening and selling your hand crafted items.

CraftYardSale
A group for all who craft and have goodies for sale. These items may be hand crafted or new, used odds and ends for crafting (craft magazines, books, fabric, rubber stamps, yarn, etc). All crafts are welcome including but not limited to: quilting, sewing, weaving, knitting, crocheting, rubber stamping, scrapbooking and more.

DollClothes4Sale
A great place for doll lovers of all kinds to come together and discuss wonderful dolls and doll clothing.

FrontPorchPapercutters
An informal and relaxed venue for all those interested in Papercutting.

quiltbyhand
If you love making quilts by hand this is the group for you. If you love hand piecing, hand applique, hand embroidery or hand quilting you'll want to join this group.

RedWorkStitchers
A group for you to share and discuss Hand Embroidery redwork patterns and ideas.

scherenschnitte
Whether you call it Scherenschnitte, Kirigami, Kiri-e, Mon-kiri, Senga, Sen-shi, Jian zhi, Hua Yang, Wycinanki, Mizrah, Papel Picado, Decoupeur or Papytomania this group is all about papercutting.

SewFree
Open to anyone who has sewing or crafts related items to give away, trade or offer for sale. many items offered at yard sale prices by members who are destashing.

theheirloomneedles
The purpose of this group is to promote heirloom quality stitching.

thesamplerlife
A group dedicated to the Sampler lover in all stitchers. Old, Repro and New Samplers. Our aim is to provide a forum to discuss all facets of the Samplers that we love the most.

If you see something you like I encourage you to check the group out. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Have a great weekend!

Peggy

Collage of my summer flowers 2009

2009-10-22T18:08:00.000-05:00

These are some of the wildflowers that I had in my backyard this year.

Believe it or not most of them came from a box of wildflower seeds that I bought at Home Depot and sprinkled into the flower box along the back fence.

So easy just sprinkle, water and enjoy!

I miss them already.

Peggy

Parents Weekend and a passing

2009-10-20T18:23:00.001-05:00

Alot has happened since my last post.

Went to visit Amanda at college for parents weekend. She is in the newest dorm building this year. She's with one of her room mates from last year, I'm glad because Janelle is a really good girl.

While we were there we went for dinner at Lambert's Cafe home of the throwed rolls. Not really a cafe the place is huge and we had a two hour wait but it sure was worth it. The portions are HUGE. The meatloaf dinner was half a meatloaf!

Right after our trip my mother in law was diagnosed with liver cancer. We lost her in less than six weeks. It was really a shock because even though she was 81 she was very, very active. She was able to plan her own funeral and she had hospice at home which is what she wanted. It was strange she was so calm about it all. My husband was able to be with her when she passed which was a blessing.
The service was just last week so it is still pretty fresh.

She will be missed...ecspecially her awesome cooking.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERIE

2009-10-04T18:26:00.007-05:00

Today is my youngest daughters 14th birthday. She won't let me post a picture of her (I'll sneak one in later). Each year since she turned 10 we have had her birthday dinner at The Lemp Mansion here in St Louis.

The Lemp family owned the Lemp Brewery and in 1870 was the largest brewery in St Louis, but that's not what the family is most famous for.

The mansion is one of the most haunted places here in St Louis because of the numerous deaths and suicides in the family.

Click here to learn more about the Lemp family it really is fascinating.

The mansion not only operates as a restaurant but as a bed & breakfast. Cherie and I are going to stay the night in the spooky place one of these days, we just haven't gotten up the nerve yet!

My computer is acting up so I can't show you the pictures that I took today but it was a real treat today because the lady in the gift shop told us we could wander around the three floors and the basement all we wanted. Cherie was so excited! Maybe I caught some ghosts in the pictures?! You will have to settle for some pictures from their web site for now.

Hope everyone has had a great weekend!

Peggy

This Place Matters!

2009-09-28T18:44:00.004-05:00

I just voted for the Bradley-Boggs House in the "This Place Matters" photo contest sponsered by the National Trust For Historic Preservation.

Is there a place that "matters" to you?

Download a "This Place Matters" sign, take a picture and then upload it to the National Trust For Historic Preservation site.

The deadline for the contest is over but you can still send in pictures.

Let the world know what "matters" to you!

Vote for your favorite photo at http://www.blogger.com/www.preservationnation.org/thisplacematters!”!”

Summer 2009

2009-09-26T17:58:00.010-05:00

I know it's been forever since I've posted but the past four months have been very crazy. Some of it was good and some not so good but I'll share some of the good with you now. The kids had a baby sister! Her name is Isabel Nicole. Isn't she beautiful! We also took a family vacation to Florida. Not just my family but we met my mom, my 2 sisters and four of my seven brothers down there. Here is Jorge playing on the beach. Here are the girls playing on the beach. Sunrise in Dayton Beach.

St Augustine Lighthouse.

Flagler Beach.

We got lost in a swamp somewhere in Florida.

Looks like somewhere Big Foot would live doesn't it?

The kids got to meet Superman on the way down.

Well that's just a little of what went on over the summer.

I'll share more soon.

Peggy

Online Auction for Historic Preservation

2009-05-28T16:46:00.002-05:00

Did you know that May was National Preservation Month? The National Trust For Historic Preservation is having an online auction to benefit the preservation of our past. The auction items are pretty cool: unique get-aways, special tours of historic places, stays at historic hotels, books and much more. There are items offered from all over the country so bid on something close to home or somewhere you have always wanted to visit. Hurry over and check it out...you only have two more days to bid! www.PreservationAuction.cmarket.com

RIP little car

2009-05-27T08:54:00.003-05:00

My Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday: yard work/housework Sunday: yard work/call from daughter that the bomb and arson squad wanted to talk to me WHAT!!! On Sunday my car (my very favorite car ever) was parked in a lot just minding it's own business...when the engine in the car parked behind it caught fire. It was windy that day and blowing right towards my car...lucky me!! In total 6 cars were burned 5 of them beyond repair...my car of course had to be the worst. I'll let the pictures tell the rest. This used to be my light blue Toyota Matrix: Interior shot...my seats look like lawn chairs. From the back...this is where the fire blew from the other car to mine. Apparently my car was held together with plastic and just melted. The bomb and arson detective said even my gas tank was plastic so once it melted the tank of gas ignited and it all went up. There was a surveillance camera on the lot that filmed the whole thing and that's how they determined what happened. The detective is going to get me a copy for my insurance company so we can see the fire because by the time we got there it was completely out. Monday: BBQ/all we can do is laugh because a couple of years ago the car I had before this one was parked in front of my house when 90 mile an hour straight line winds knocked a 100 foot 60 yr old (huge) oak tree right on top of it. Thank God for insurance! (three of the six cars were not insured) Maybe I should just get a bike this time instead of a car...what do you think? Well gotta go...another business trip this week. Peggy

Papercuttings

2009-05-07T21:10:00.015-05:00

I haven't been able to think of anything interesting lately to write about so I thought I would share some of my papercuttings. About 10-12 years ago I began by cutting paper snowflakes from a booklet I found at Ben Franklen. Back then it was really hard to find patterns so I started researching at the library and on line and I found that there is much more to this art than just snowflakes. These first two cuttings are ones that I designed myself. This design was inspired by a picture in a magazine. And this one from a Dover book of flowers. It looks like designing a papercut would be easy but once you start cutting you realize it's tougher than it looks. The entire design needs to be in one piece and the inner cuts need to give the piece dimension. There's no erasing a mistake...once you make the cut that piece is gone! That's why most of my cuttings are done using patterns that I get from Papercuttings by Alison. They have some great designs and each pattern is rated as to how difficult it is to cut...Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced. This is a small family owned business with Alison and her mom Gloria designing most of the patterns. How neat is that and they also have patterns from other talented designers. When I cut I use a tiny pair of Hofer scissors made ecspecially for papercutting. They are made in Switzerland and are a bit pricey but if you cut alot they are well worth it. When I began cutting I used my Gingher embroidery scissors. I very seldom use an exacto knife but there are alot of people that do...some don't use scissors at all and use just the exacto. I only use it for really tiny cuts that I can't make with the scissors but my Hofer scissors have a point as thin as a needle so I can cut almost anything with them. This next group of cuttings are done using patterns from Papercutting by Alison. Tiny ballarina's: I think would lood cute mounted on pink paper and framed individually in little white frames. More ballarina's: A Butterfly: A fancy fan: A couple of heart designs:

These last designs are reproductions that I have done of vintage papercuttings:

Two colonial couples...ladies reading and sewing: Men playing a game of chess:

I really love these old sihlouettes from the colonial period. I think they would look great hung next to each other.

A rooster... another reproduction:

I was thinking of trying to sell some of my cuttings on Etsy and/or Lollishops but I'm just not sure they would sell. What do you think?

I guess the only way to find out is to list a few of them.

I hope you enjoyed looking at my cuttings.

I encourage you to give it a try. You can get a beginners pattern from Papercuttings by Alison for well under $10 and I'm sure you will find something that you like. They also offer scissors and paper.

I'm cheap and cut most of my designs from regular copy paper. And if you don't want to buy a pattern to start out you can always copy a design from one of the books on papercutting at the library or do a google search for designs.

If you want to see some really cool examples you can visit the Guild of American Papercutters site.

Thanks for the Awards

2009-04-26T19:06:00.007-05:00

I have been given a couple of awards! I just love blogging I never win anything anywhere else. Now it seems like almost every week I'm getting something. An award, winning a giveaway or getting a swap package in the mail. Award #1 I recieved this award from Lynn at Lynn's Lovelies. Thanks Lynn! I'm supposed to list 7 things that I love so here they are: 1. my grandkids oh yea and my kids (haha Amanda) 2. popcorn 3. antique malls 4. buttons 5. quilts 6. books 7. my little car Now I'm supposed to pass this award onto 7 more Kreative Bloggers so here they are: 1. Cindy at My Romantic Home. Cindy makes decorating her home look easy. It is beautiful. 2. Dawn at The Feathered Nest. As talented as Dawn is I'm sure she has already won this award. 3. Susan at The T-Cozy. A very talented lady. 4. Heather at Heather Bullard. Another super talented lady. Have a look at her studio! 5. Sonia at Vintage Rose Design. You've got to see her pretty things. 6. Suzy at Georgia Peachez. Cute stuff! 7. Michelle at Michelle Palmer. Wonderful painter. I always wished I could paint like this. Award #2 Debbie at Blueberry Plains sent me this award. Thanks Debbie! For this award all I have to do is: 1. Link the blog that gave you the award. Blueberry Plains 2. Pass on the award to 15 bloggers that are new to me so here they are: 1. Cherished Vintage 2. Faded Charm Cottage 3. Tidy Mom 4. Miller Racing Family 5. BlissTree 6. Front Porches-Sweet Tee & Old Aprons 7. The Rusty Cupboard 8. Designs on 47th Street 9. Feedsack Fantasy 10. Hooked on Houses 11. Vintage Rose Designs 12. From House To Home 13. From My Cherry Heart 14. Southern Hospitality 15. An Enchanted Cottage If you have time pop in to one of these blogs for a visit. I'm sure you will find something you like. Peggy

Nancy Drew Journal Giveaway

2009-04-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Jenn at The Thrift Shop Romantic had a giveaway for two Nancy Drew Journals and I won one of them! My daughter Cherie is going to be so happy! She loves Nancy Drew.

Congratulations to you too Caroline for winning the other journal!

And thank you Jenn for the giveaway!!

Peggy

Kids being kids...

2009-04-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

My beautiful grandkids! Hailey with her new doll: Hailey eating hot wings (her favorite):

Jayda decorating Easter eggs:

Jayda being Jayda:

Jorge and his new tools:

Jorge in the chocolate:

Peggy

April Tag Swap

2009-04-19T21:13:00.009-05:00

It's time for the April tags in my 2009 Tag Swap hosted by Jenny at Lipstick and Laundry. This is the tag that I sent to each of my partners. These two pictures are of the tag I received from my partner Laura at. This is the front:

This is the back:

This is the tag that I received from my partner Shelly.

Thanks for the cute tags girls. And thanks Jenny for hosting this swap.

Peggy

Oooh, nice pictures...how do you do that?

2009-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

I stole this title from Licia at Licia Beads. If you want to take better pictures especially product photos you need to read her post on taking great pictures. Click here for post. She has some great tips and tricks for taking really good close ups,and lighting. These tips aren't just for products, although her product photos are awesome, but you could use these tips to take better pictures around the house. Hope you find her tips as useful as I have. Peggy

JURY DUTY

2009-04-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-12T06:59:00.000-05:00

Friday Night Concert

2009-04-11T22:07:00.010-05:00

Last night my 13 year old daughter and I went to a concert at the Fabulous Fox Theatre here in St Louis. The tickets were a Christmas present from my husband. The concert was one of my daughters favorites the Celtic Woman. They put on a beautiful show and their costumes are awesome. Here is what we saw when we first walked into the lobby of the Fox. If you ever have a chance to visit St Louis this is a place you have to see. So pretty. This is looking out from the stage...our seats were in the orchestra pit (the grey section in the bottom of the picture). They put four rows of seats right down in front of the stage and we were in the fourth row dead center. Awesome seats!

Cherie is taking violin lessons and wants to play just like the fiddle player Mairead Nesbitt in Celtic Women. This girl not only plays beautifully but does it while spinning, jumping and dancing all over the stage in heals!

I wish I had half of her energy!

We had a great time and it was neat seeing Cherie so excited.

Peggy

Getting Creative

2009-04-05T14:45:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of things I have been working on for Easter. I made these out of napkins I found at Hobby Lobby. I cut out the center design then glued four of them together to form this three dimensional egg. Once they were dry I added the stitching with some green floss. This flat one is just two pieces glued together and stitched.

Wouldn't these look cute on an Easter tree or strung together for an Easter banner.

I included a couple in some of my swaps and I listed them in my Etsy store.

Ok Amanda I know, I know...I should be working on Curtis' quilt...

My New Bunny!

2009-04-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen!

It is made completely of paper. I don't know if you can see the detail but the bunny is made of tiny pieces of crinkled paper. So cute!

I found him at the grocery store of all places for just $4.99. I may have to go back and get him a friend.

My youngest thinks he's freaky because he doesn't have any eyes but I still like him.

Peggy

A Charming Color Swap

2009-04-04T17:04:00.004-05:00

I'm really late posting the pictures from this swap. It was called the "A Charming Color Swap" and it was hosted by Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!. My partner was Amy from Paper Trails Leaver. Amy sent me lots of great stuff but as a bonus she has put the instructions on making two of the items on her site. Click here to go directly to the instructions. The first item with instructions is the tag below: And the second item with instructions was this cute little bird house. (I think this is my favorite.)

Below is a picture of all of the stuff that I received.

Besides the tag and the bird house Amy included a couple of vintage cards, a huge flower pin, a red kitchen towel. a tiny frame, lots of stuff to scrapbook with and to stitch.

Thanks Amy!

Winter Basics and Baubles Swap

2009-03-19T17:19:00.008-05:00

I was part of another one of the awesome swaps hosted by Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly! This one was the Winter Basics and Baubles Swap. My swap partner was Terri from Grace Notes. Here is what she sent me: The Baubles part...a pretty little red purse with a rose pin inside!

Now for the basics...a pretty red and white tiny file folder. I am going to use it for coupons.

A great pair of kitchen shears and the cutest red measuring spoons!

Two pretty bundles of kitchen towels. I hung two of this first bundle in the kitchen and my daughter claimed them for herself! Isn't it funny how our kids think everything we have is automatically theirs?

This bundle has a pretty vintage feel.

I didn't get to take pictures of what I sent to Terri so I swiped the picture she took from her blog. Here is what I sent her: a couple of kitchen towels, a vintage pot holder, measuring cups, jar openers,a couple of little Cinnamon candles and for the bauble the prettiest butterfly pin.

I also included a St Patrick's Day tag that I made.

Thanks Terri for all of the great stuff...I really do love it all!

And Heidi thank you for all of the awesome swaps that you host. I know how much work it must be. If you haven't participated in one of Heidi's swaps yet you need to because they are so much fun and the themes are great. Go on over to her blog Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly to check them out. Heidi's next swap is the Vintage Easter Swap going on now. I'm having so much fun collecting all of the goodies for my partner...I can't wait to get my package! Peggy

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY

2009-03-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

Wishing all of my blogging friends a very Happy St. Patricks Day!

We made our corned beef and cabbage on Sunday but plan on some leftovers for dinner.

Gotta eat some on St. Pat's Day.

Better get back to work.

Peggy

2009-03-09T09:16:00.002-05:00

I am having a hard time lately coming up with things to blog about. I've noticed that this seems to be a problem with other bloggers too. Hopefully this blogger block will pass and I will get inspired soon. In the mean time I hope I don't bore you all too much. I had a fun weekend with my grandkids~ All three kids stayed and we did nothing but play! The weather over the weekend was perfect. The area had some storms on Sunday but we only had a little rain and then it was sunny the rest of the day. On Satureday the kids played outside all day with a little neighbor girl. We spent some time at the park and we took a couple of walks in the wagon. The end of a perfect day of playing was the ice cream man ringing his bell! On Sunday we took them all to what we call "the farm". It's land my husbands family owns about an hour out of town. The kids got to throw rocks in the creek, climb on the hay bails in the barn and feed the cows. Pretty cool stuff for city kids. They went home last night and I slept like a rock I was so pooped! But pooped in a good way. It may take me a week to revover but it was definitly worth it. ~ On a totally different subject. I saw something cool on the news this morning for those of us who love to shop online. It is a web site called Hoopla Doopla http://www.hoopladoopla.com. The site has links to hundreds of stores that you probably already shop at. When you link to the store from this site you earn cash back on your purchases. The site gets a commission for linking you to the store and splits the commission with you the shopper. The site is free and the money you earn can be deposited directly into your PayPal account or they will send you a check in the mail. Now I just heard about this site so I haven't actually used it to link to a store to make a purchase yet but it sounds like a really cool idea. It does have a lot of stores that I regularly shop at so I'm gonna give it a try. As long as it doesn't cost me money and I will be buying there anyway. As much as I spend at JoAnn's this could be a really good thing! Hope you all have a wonderful week. Peggy

March Tag Swap

2009-03-05T17:47:00.005-06:00

Here are the March tags I made for the tag swap hosted by Jenny at Lipstick and laundry. This is the front of the tags. The two that are alike are for my tag swap partners. The tag in the middle is one I am including in another swap. Here are the back of the tags that I made: This is the tag I recieved from my swap partner Shelly:

And this is the tag I recieved from my other swap partner Christy:

Thanks for the cute tags girls!

Bad Blogger...

2009-03-04T00:14:00.006-06:00

I've been a bad, bad blogger. It has been a hectic couple of weeks. I had a business trip right after my birthday. I was able to do alittle antique shopping but not much. Had alot of work to do and the weather was bad so I didn't venture out too much. I wasn't home more than a couple of days when the flu hit and it hit bad. I was the only one in the house who got it! What's that about? I finally felt better the end of last week so I was able to have my two granddaughters over the weekend. That was fun. I hadn't seen them for almost a month! Then I woke up this morning with either a cold in my eye or pink eye. I'll find out for sure in the morning when I see the doctor. It wasn't all bad. I got to work on the t-shirt quilt that I need to get done. And I was able to list some linens on Etsy! Yeh!! Finally. I have been wanting to do this for months now but finally had the time to do it. It's alot of work to get the items ready, to take the pictures and to write the descriptions. But I did get a few things on there. I'll keep adding as I get the time. It's not easy when you have a big girl job but I'll make it work. So if you get a chance to take a look at what I've listed. Here is the link: http://thevintagebuttonjar.etsy.com Peggy

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-02-16T12:13:00.003-06:00

I know kind of goofy but you only turn 49 once!

Wow 49 I sure don't feel that old. Where did the time go?

Not doing anything special today. I'm working from home all day today since the courts are closed.

Hubby just went grocery shopping for me. Yeh!

He's making shis-ka-bobs for dinner. That man will grill in any weather.

My kids gave me a gift card to Jo Ann's one of my favorite stores and I got cash from my mom, in-laws and hubby.

I know it's only lunch time but I think I've done pretty well so far!

We will have an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen after dinner. The kids picked out the cake!

I'm hoping the grandkids will be here to share it with me.

No complaints here.

Happy President's Day

Peggy

Tag Swap

2009-02-12T14:13:00.001-06:00

It's time for this months Tag Swap hosted by Jenny at Lipstick and Laundry. Here are the February tags that I sent out to my partners: (not the best picture)

Here is the tag from my partner Christy:

Here are the tags from my partner Shelly:

(again not a great picture)

Aren't they cute!

Now to start thinking about what to do for the March tag swap.

Peggy

I won!

2009-02-06T20:38:00.002-06:00

I won a giveaway from Mary Ellen at It's me I think How cute is this! Two adorable Gund Bears and Silver Heart Trinket Holders. They look alittle scared don't they? I promise little guys you will like your new home. Thanks again Mary Ellen!!!! I think these little guys will look good in the new babies nursery. Peggy

2009-02-04T16:33:00.002-06:00

Today my box came from Christine for the Mini Valentine Swap hosted by Emilie at Bunch of Scrap Look at all of the goodies: a vintage hankie with a tatted edge and a bookmark that Christine tatted herself. Look at the detail! Didn't she do a great job? Here is a little heart tin that the bookmark was in: a pad of scrapbook paper: a heart tin filled with yummy chocolate! Always a good thing.

a Thimbleberries Jiffy Quilt Pattern and a package of fabric:

Isn't this stuff great! I love getting packages.

Besides getting my package I have been busy working on the t-shirt quilt. I have it all basted and the hand quilting has begun! Now it's just a matter of putting in the sewing time. Good thing it is so cold because the quilt is keeping me toasty warm while I quilt.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Peggy

The Lemonaide Award

2009-01-28T20:05:00.004-06:00

I received my first blog award from Renee at Cottage Lifestyle.

Thank you Renee!

It is the The Lemonade Award for bloggers who show great attitude and/or gratitude.

How cool!

Here is the official info on the award:

What this award is about... Bloggers who show great attitude and gratitude.

What you have to do...Upon receiving The Lemonade Award, you also pass it on to other bloggers who you think show great attitude and gratitude.

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 8 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Here are my nominees:

Amy at Abundant Curiosities

Lisa at Lisa's Retro Style

Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly

Mary Jane at The Beehive Cottage

Twyla and Lindsey at Two Crazy Crafters

Jen at Sanctuary Arts at Home

Mo at Mo's Cottage

Dot at Picket's Place

Vee at A Haven for Vee

Rue at Rue's Peanut Butter and Jelly Life

Lynn at The Vintage Nest

Esther at Shabby Cottage Collectibles

Vintage Valentine Swap

2009-01-27T21:44:00.006-06:00

Look at what I got in the mail today! It is from Angela at Thrifty Homemaker my partner in the Vintage Valentine Swap hosted by Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. Just look at all this great stuff. There are vintage valentines, a vintage hankie, soaps, candles, a candle holder, stuffed hearts, stickers, a cherub and my favorite candy hearts. I know this picture doesn't show everything but it's all there! two of the nine vintage valentines, soap, candles, and the stickers:

two more valentines:

the vintage hankie, two cute little bottles and yes more valentines:

a close up of the little cherub...isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen! I love it.

Thank you Angela!!!!

You should be getting your box any day now. You still have time to sign up for Heidi's next swap. It is the Winter Basics & Baubles Swap and it should be fun. We will be swapping kitchen linens and gadgets and every swap will include some bling.

What I Learned This Week

2009-01-27T09:27:00.003-06:00

Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife has invited everyone to write post about something that they have learned over the past week. She is even having a giveaway for those who participate. This week I've learned that even at my age snow days are awesome! There's nothing better than a guilt free day to stay at home. A pot of soup simmering on the stove. No where I have to be. What should I do today... watch old movies... do a little stitching... some crafting... maybe I'll just look out the window and day dream... or take a nap... or... the possibilities are endless.

Another Busy Week

2009-01-25T20:27:00.003-06:00

It has been a very busy week! I was out of town again for work this week but I did get to take my youngest daughter with me so it was a mini girls vacation for us. There are no less than 10 antique malls between home and Bloomington so we just had to hit a few of them. On the way we stopped at "The Pink Elephant"...this is what stands outside and can be seen from the highway. I found some cute valentine items there but I can't show you yet...I.m including them in my Valentine Swaps and I don't want to show my partners what they will be getting! On the way back we stopped at my favorite "The Lighthouse Antique Mall". My daughter spotted this scrap book in a booth that had everything at 50% off. It is full of over 130 get well cards from the 1950's! There is a small newspaper clipping that gives the date of the ladies illness. Here are just a few: OK can you guess what I paid for this?

$2.50!

Does my daughter have a good eye or what?! I also picked up this sweet little coloring book along with 4 others. While we were in Bloomington we visited one of my daughters favorite places "About Books" a used book store downtown.

We picked up a bunch of great old books.

Here are just a few:

Aren't these cute. More great kids books with some of the cutes pictures you have ever seen inside. This tiny pamphlet is full of great old time wisdom on being frugal. I'll scan it in and post some of the tips in a later post. Here is a little cook book and a cute book on first aid in the 40's While in Bloomington we also popped into the "Bronze Giraffe" another great antique mall. If you haven't been there in a while they just did a remodel and the place looks great.

I found this cute little box made from old Christmas Cards and a couple of vintage baby bibs. Sorry the bibs are soaking... and I didn't get a picture. I'm trying hard to catch up on every one's blogs but this weekend has been busy too.

Yesterday my sister in law had a Pampered Chef party and I ended up staying almost five hours visiting!

And I ordered way to much stuff...as usual.

Today we had my oldest daughter and her family over for her birthday dinner and cake. She turned 26 on Thursday.

Had a great time playing with the grand kids. They had to play inside all day so my house is a wreck but that's OK.

They were stuck inside because:

We finally got some snow!

Only a few inches but more is expected all day tomorrow and into Tuesday!!!

I'm so glad I didn't plan my business trip for this week...now I can work from home and enjoy the pretty snow from inside the warm and cozy house.

I hope everyone has a great week.

T Shirt Quilt

2009-01-18T23:26:00.002-06:00

I've been a busy little bee...I've spent most of this weekend working on this t shirt quilt. It is for a friend of my daughters. Curtis is a Master Se argent in the Air National Guard and his job in the Guard is working with kids in a number of anti drug programs. That is how my daughter met him and became good friends with his family. I made my first t shirt quilt for the 20th anniversary of one of these programs. I used t shirts from all 20 years and it turned out great. They hung it at the conference and celebration. That is where Curtis and his wife saw the quilt and asked me to make my second t shirt quilt for their teenage daughter. Sorry I don't have pictures of these two quilts on this computer...I'll try to find them. This quilt for Curtis uses his t shirts from the Guard: And this is the blue fabric that will be the backing. Just when I think I'm getting caught up! My daughter came home with a bag full of t shirts for another quilt for Curtis' daughter. It will be from her high school t shirts and given to her for her graduation in May. Well I better get busy or I'll never be finished.

What a day...

2009-01-13T23:21:00.003-06:00

No sweet pictures of the baby today but boy what a day it has been. I had planned a not too busy day working from home and waiting for news from my daughter on her first ultra sound on the new baby. But early this morning my boss called to let me know that he was in town for one of his surprise visits...yeh...and he wanted to have lunch downtown. There goes any work in my pj's this morning. So I spent the morning getting ready and figuring out what to wear...just went in nice jeans, a white turtle neck and black boots. The tortilla soup was awesome and the visit was a good one. When I got home the girls had to go to the bookstore so off we went and work had to wait just a bit longer. The bookstore turned into a trip to the office supply store and walgreens. So too pooped to cook and not really hungry I grabbed the girls taco bell and headed home. Finally... home and in my flannel pj's ready to work when my hubby came home. He went to the garage to do something and discovered someone had broken in and taken some of his tools. He's a carpenter so his tools are to him like my vintage linens are to me. So we spent the evening with the police making a report and watching the crime scene guys take finger prints (I have to admit that was pretty neat to watch...just like on tv). Now we need to break the news to my father in law that the second chain saw of his that we borrowed has been stolen! The first was stolen from my husbands pick up a couple of years ago. I finally got some work done tonight but not as much as I had wanted to. I guess the t-shirt quilt I wanted to work on tonight will have to wait until tomorrow night. Well it's off to bed for me now. Let's hope tomorrow is a less hectic day. Oh yeh the ultra sound went great...just one tiny baby moving it's little arm at just 10 weeks! A healthy baby cancels out all the bad stuff that happened today!

Tag Swap

2009-01-09T22:37:00.003-06:00

In December Jenny at Lipstick and Laundry announced a tag swap. The swap has us exchanging monthly themed tags with our swap partners. Our first swap of course was for January and I wanted to show you what I made for my swap partners and what they sent to me. First here are the tags that I made for my swap partners Christy and Shelly: This is the tag that my swap partner Christy sent to me: And these are the tags that my swap partner Shelly sent to me: (Shelly wrote a sweet new years poem on the back of the larger tag but it didn't photograph very well...my fault not the tag) Aren't they the cutest things! I plan to hang all of my tags each month on my bulletin board so that by the end of the year I should have a pretty great little collection. I can't wait for the February swap! I'm already working on ideas and so excited to see what I get in return. This is such a good idea for a swap...not to big but something to look forward to every month.

Let Them Eat Cake...

2009-01-05T21:33:00.002-06:00

On Sunday we had my grandson Jorge's official 1st birthday party. We had a small party last week so my mom could see him before she checked into the hospital. Before the cake and still clean: Look Ma no hands... Yum that was good! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORGE! MAMA LOVES YOU!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T00:52:00.004-06:00

I was going to post a victorian new years card but this little guy is way cuter! He is our Jorge and he turned one today, well on new years eve. I'm up past midnight waiting for my daughter to get home from babysitting and catching up on reading some of your blogs. We had a small party for Jorge today but his big party is on Sunday. I will show you the mess he made with his cake when I get the pictures off of the camera. He was our New Years gift last year and my daughter told us on Christmas that she is expecting number four sometime in August! Have a great New Years everybody.

The Stockings Were Hung

2008-12-24T11:54:00.001-06:00

I hope Santa brings you everything you asked for!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Peggy

Shopping in Kimmswick, MO

2008-12-23T21:00:00.005-06:00

I spent the other day shopping with two of my three daughters. When we need ornaments to give as gifts we always go to Kimmswick, a small town just south of St Louis. My girls are always up for shopping and lunch!

The whole town is only 7 blocks square and it is all small shops, a couple of restaurants and bed & breakfast.

Just outside of town is an old bridge that the girls had to see.

If you look just past the end of the creek that is where it feeds into the Mississippi River.

Here is the view of town from the bridge.

More of the town.

One of the shops.

My favorite shop of all is the Christmas shop.

Here are some of the ornaments we found. There are a few more but we wrapped them before I got pictures.

Here is a Kimmswick Angel.

Here is a Santa Moon.

Here are a couple of angel ornaments for my granddaughters. I love the glittered words.

And here are a few glittered houses.

If you are ever in the area it is a really cute little place to spend the day. I meant to get pictures of where we ate but we were too busy stuffing our faces. I'll get some next time we go.

Macy's Windows

2008-12-23T00:53:00.003-06:00

Last night my in-laws took us all out to dinner. After dinner we went downtown to see the holiday window displays at Macy's. The windows tell the story "Yes Virginia There Is A Santa Clause". It starts out with Virginia and her family around the tree: See the kids upstairs on the landing putting the star on the tree? In the doorway behind the family you can see the maid standing in the pantry! Here is the street outside the newspaper office. See the guy decorating the light pole? Here is Virginia on the steps with her letter to the editor.

Here we are inside the newspaper office.

Yes Virginia Santa is real.

Here is my Cherie enjoying the windows despite the bitter cold. Hey where is your hat?!!!

What a fun night. I remember going to see the windows downtown when I was little and how magical it was. It still is pretty neat.

Have a great Christmas everyone!

Some of my favorite Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-20T23:18:00.007-06:00

These are just some of the ornaments on the tree. First is one of the first ornaments I purchased when I "grew up" and had my own tree. (See Rue I told you I had a set of bells just like yours!)

Next two glass ornaments I just love the Santa and the little glass snowman.

Three glass balls.

King Tut from the King Tut exhibit in Chicago. (My youngest went through an egyptian phase)

Fat Santa.

Fat Snowman.

My youngest had a white snow suit when she was a baby and this ornament reminded me of her.

My Santa lightbulb.

I just thought this guy was cute.

My husband is a carpenter so here is his tool man ornament.

His saw ornament.

His level ornament.

I have two of these. They aren't the prettiest but my dad brought them home to my mom on there first Christmas in 1960 so they are as old as I am.

This is the first ornament I bought for my oldest daughter. (I'm not sure why she hasn't taken this one to her house with all of the others?)

Each year I get my three girls a special ornamnet. Some of them have their names on them and some of them are just the same ornament for all three. This is one of my youngest's ballerina ornaments.

This is her carousel horse.

This is one of my middle daughters ornaments.

I try my best to get an ornament when we travel somewhere as a family. This one is from New York.

Out of order but this is my youngest when she was 5 yrs old. (Isn't she adorable!)

Here is another of my middle daughter's ornaments.

Back to travel ornaments. This one is from our trip to Chimney Rock.

This one from Washington DC.

The home of Mark Twain in Hannibal MO.

One of our Chicago trips.

A favorite from Jamaica.

One of our best trips was to Biltmore Mansion. (Awesome)

Well that's it for now. Sorry about getting them mixed up a little bit. There are many more on this and a couple of other trees. Maybe I will save some for next year. Believe it or not I purchased more ornaments on my girl's day out with my daughters yesterday. I'll show them when I post about the trip tomorrow.

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-19T09:14:00.005-06:00

I got my new camera the other night! Thanks to everyone who gave me your advice. The winner was a Canon G10, it is so easy to use and that is what I need. I love it! I've been going a little picture crazy so here are some pics of Christmas decorations. A little candy dish with deer: Christmas bear in rocker: Elves: Christmas duck: Skates on door knob: Tree on kitchen table: (see the little paper candy canes?) Christmas stocking made for my mom by my grandma when she was a little girl. (made from a red velvet dress she wore) Little kids tree and my dad's carasoul: (this is the tree the grandkids can touch when ever they want. The carasel plays Christmas music and the wheels turn. My dad loved it but my mom always hated it. It makes me think of him.) Christmas village in dining room: Nativity set I won when I was in kindegarten selling Christmas cards. (I was the first so my family must have bought an awful lot of cards. They announced the winner during a school mass and they said the box was almost as big as I was. I have it ontop of a cabinet in my living room where the little kids can't play house with it.) I hope you enjoyed the pictures...didn't they turn out great! I can't believe I took them. I'll post some of our ornaments tomorrow.

Monday Morning Journal

2008-12-15T10:18:00.004-06:00

For today: December 15, 2008 Outside my window: Ice and cold!!!! 15 degree. More ice coming later tonight. I am thinking: About how to explain decimals to my daughter. I am thankful for: The nice couple who let me have the parking spot at Walmart yesterday. From my kitchen: I'm thinking pasta and garlic bread. I am wearing: A long sleeve t-shirt and plaid flannel pants. I'm on vacation and it's cold outside! I am going: Absolutly no where today! I am reading: Ladies Who Launch by: Victoria Colligan & Beth Schoenfeldt I am learning: On Saturday Cindy at Skip To My Lou posted how to make the cutest little paper candy canes. I made a bunch for the little Christmas trees in the kitchen. I am hoping: That everyone stays warm and safe. I am hearing: The dishwasher run through it's cycle. Around the house: Need to finish up the Christmas decorations. Just my nutcrackers left to put out. One of my favorite things: A fleece throw to snuggle under when it's this cold outside. A few plans for the rest of the week: Work on Christmas cards and get them in the mail, on Thursday drive down and pick-up Amanda from college for Christmas break, on the way back we hope to do some shopping. A picture thought:

I Need Some Suggestions

2008-12-11T19:18:00.003-06:00

I am always so envious of the beautiful pictures that my fellow bloggers take but I struggle to take really good ones. So I decided maybe a better camera would do the trick. There are so many products out there and it is so confusing trying to decide so I thought I would ask all of you for your suggestions and opinions. What kind of camera do you use? What do you like about it? What do you dislike about it? Would you recommend it to a friend? I plan on using the camera for blog pictures, product pictures for an etsy shop and family photoes. So I need something that will take great still pictures with alot of detail but also can catch the grandkids in action. All I get now is a blur as they run by or the back of their heads. I am determined to learn to take great pictures but I don't want it to be overly complicated to use. I can't wait to hear what you all have to say! Thanks so much for your help.

Need A Little Christmas

2008-12-08T20:55:00.007-06:00

Wanted to share some of the Christmas stuff I picked up recently. A few pictures of a Christmas table runner(I couldn't get all the detail in one picture):

Some little elves:

Some misc. Christmas items:

And a cute little doll:

They don't look so great on the hotel bed that I had them on for the pictures but once I get them worked into my holiday decorations I will share them again.

FREE SHIPPING

2008-12-07T20:43:00.002-06:00

Joy over at Just Plain Joy shared a great website on Friday and I just had to pass it on. The website is: http://freeshipping.org It lists free shipping offers for tons of stores. If you do any shopping online it is worth a visit to see if there are any offers. I spent this afternoon getting a bunch of my Christmas shopping done and I didn't have to leave the house! Here are some of the free shipping offers I took advantage of: Amazon...for toys (at half price!) and movies American Girl...for gift certificates JC Penney...for braided rugs (ok not a present this one is for me) LL Bean...for flannel nightgown and slippers Old Navy...for gift certificates Victorias Secret...for PINK flannel pj's, slippers, travel blanket set and a cool gold tote. I think I may be back on this week looking for more free shipping deals before Christmas and for sure I will be using this site in the future. I just love saving money! Thanks for sharing this site with us Joy!

More Vintage Finds

2008-12-06T22:38:00.004-06:00

I thought I would post some pictures of some of the things I found on my visits to the antique malls over the past few weeks. A pretty little pillowslip: A sweet tablerunner:

A beautiful embroidered sheet: Some pretty dresser scarves: This one is so cute: And some towels I will share the Christmas items in another post. I hope you enjoyed looking at them as much as I enjoyed shopping for them.

Found A Picture

2008-12-05T20:52:00.003-06:00

This the only picture I was able to get of the three kids together. Well the only one where you can see all of their faces at the same time. Believe me I tried all week but this is the best I could do.

Both girls jumped in the playpen with the baby...he wasn't very happy. Not their best picture. We are supposed to get Chistmas pictures this weekend. Maybe a professional will have better luck but I have my doubts.

Whew!

2008-12-04T20:28:00.007-06:00

I can't believe it I am all alone tonight! My three grandkids and my youngest are all staying at my sisters tonight. Thank you Kathleen!!! Their mom won't be home until tomorrow night but I need to work tomorrow and let's face it I need a break. Those three wore me out! I tried to get some pictures but they won't all stay still at the same time! They are like little tornadoes going in different directions all at the same time. Well I got a chance to sit down and read some of my favorite blogs tonight and I was able to say hey to a few of you. I was inspired by Tracy over at Notes From A Cottage Industry to have a Christmas Cookie exchange this year. Tracy is having a Virtual Cookie Exchange.

If you haven't been to Tracy's blog you need to go there right away. She is so talented; I just love her syle.

For my Cookie Exchange I'm going to invite my mom, sisters, sisters in laws, ex sistera in laws (makes parties more interesting) and nieces to get dressed up for Christmas (maybe Christmas PJ's?) and join me for the exchange. I have a couple of weeks off before Christmas so I will schedule it then and we will have our first annual Christmas Cookie exchange!

Sounds yummy.

Well I think my bedding is finally dry (my room smelled like an out house after the kids slept in there all week) I'm going to snuggle between my clean sheets and sleep all night without being woke up for a bottle, kicked by little feet, having my pillow and covers taken or getting peed on!

Sounds like heaven!

Monday Simple Womas Journal

2008-12-01T09:38:00.007-06:00

~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* FOR TODAY December 1, 2008... Outside My Window... actually my daughters kitchen window. light snow; just enough to cover the ground and so pretty. I am thinking... about how much work I need to get done today. I am thankful for... babies morning naps. From the kitchen... not sure what I will make the kids tonight. I guess I will make some soup to keep us all warm. I am wearing... don't laugh but I'm still in my pj's...red plaid flannel pants and a grey t-shirt. I am creating... I think I will cut out some paper snow flakes with the kids when Hailey gets home from school at noon and we will tape them to the windows. Jayda says mommy won't let her use scissors so grandma will let her use them today. I am going... only place today is to pick Hailey up from school and then back here. I am reading... lots of bedtime stories this week. I am hoping... that I'm not too crabby with the kids this week. I am hearing... Dora on the tv. Around the house... I am going to catch up some laundry for Rachel since I'm at her house today. One of my favorite things... the deer outside the window this morning in the snow. A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: keeping up with the grandkids; getting some work done. Here is picture thought I am sharing... ~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Never Enough Time

2008-11-30T23:34:00.002-06:00

Well this is my last day of vacation time and I already need another one! Spent the weekend before Thanksgiving catching up with laundry and the house after my business trips all month. Then the days before Thanksgiving at my moms helping get her house ready for the holidays. Thanksgiving day at moms with most of my big family. Always a fun time. Took my three grandkids home with me on Thanksgiving day because my daughter is leaving for Mexico to visit her new inlaws. Needless to say the past three days have been a blur of diapers, toys everywhere, bath times, snotty noses... you get the picture. What was supposed to be a few day trip is now extended to a week long trip. Why does my family always forget mom has a job! I'm lucky that I can do most of my job from home but I still need to turn in actual work and with three kids climbing on me, wanting food (they're always hungry!), driving to and from schools....I don't see much work getting done this week. I hope my boss doesn't see this post. I did get a few things I had hoped to done this weekend. I washed all of my vintage linen collection and even had time to get most of it ironed. I had hoped to get it all photographed and measured but at least I got it started. Oh yeah I did get my tree up and the lights on it tonight but no ornaments yet. I guess I will get to that later in the week. I will be spending the rest of the week running between my house and my daughters so I can get my granddaughter and my youngesy daughter to and from school. I'm not sure how much I will get to post or read other blogs until my daughter is home (and I sleep for a week). Talk to you all soon. Peggy http://pegslifeinthebuttonjar.blogspot.com/

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-26T10:05:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

2008-11-24T15:20:00.004-06:00

FOR TODAY Monday November 24, 2008... Outside My Window... my window is open to the sunny, warm November day. I am thinking... how nice it is to be off work this week. I am thankful for...text messaging...otherwise I would never hear from my college kid. From the kitchen...probably pasta tonight. I am wearing...jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt I am creating...a t-shirt quilt for a family friend. I am going...shopping tonight for tableclothes for my mom. I am reading...Blink by Malcolm Gladwell I am hoping...for a relaxing week. I am hearing...the wind chimes outside my back door. Around the house...my daughter is doing her lessons downstairs and laundry is almost caught up. One of my favorite things...old black and white movies A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:...cleaning, shopping and eating. Here is picture thought I am sharing...