DIY: Rosette Wreath

A few weeks ago, I was inspired to create something from Pinterest. It is all too easy for me to pin all these wonderful creations, but never attempt to make one! Of course, the first one that caught my eye was probably the most time-consuming project of them all. Oh well, it was a lesson in perseverance...something I lack! 

First, I bought a small foam wreath at Michael's and covered it in some burlap that I had on hand.

The next step is making the rosettes - something I am mildly obsessed with - out of old sheet music. I didn't take pictures of the process since you can find a tutorial here. I got pretty creative with finding time to make these, since they aren't difficult but do take two hands! Sometimes it was while relaxing on the sofa with my husband in the evenings, or my favorite: during Hadassah's bathtime. [In case you're wondering - I sat beside the tub while I made them. Don't call social services!] 

Then the fun really begins, you can start to cover your wreath in these beauties!

Personally, I think this would look fabulous with just a few rosettes tucked in the corner, but I wanted to cover the surface.  You can also make a much fuller wreath and cover the sides as well. I'm just not that patient. 

                                     

I hung this on the mantle for a bit of contrast with some colorful art and a family photo at the beach. What do you think? Would you make it with just a few rosettes, like I did, or cover the thing whole, baby?? I like how it turned out!

Now I need to finish my next project, which I hope to reveal in about two weeks!!! Wish me patience :)

World-View Wednesday: Chicks for Children

by duaxmachine

Sometimes, its the story of a missionary who depends on God completely that rocks my world.

Other times, its the faith of a child.

Like Xiaoyun.

This sweet girl was born in China with a severe case of scoliosis, but her prospect of receiving surgery was slim, as a child in the foster care system. She was miraculously adopted days before her 14th birthday, when she would have been considered ineligible to become part of a forever family!

After becoming part of a loving home, Xiaoyun underwent several surgeries for her condition. During this time, she got a vision to help other children in need. Her dream was to buy a million chickens for poor Asian children! For $11, a pair of chickens can provide eggs or baby chicks, which becomes not only food and income, but hope for a poverty-stricken family!

Seeing the possibilities, Xiaoyun began a campaign to make a difference. If you want to be a part of making her dream [and so many other childrens' dreams] come true, just go here. I'm excited to see what God will do through her! She's already changed one life; mine.       

The Waiting

Those stubborn teeth!

Yeah, you know...the ones that have turned my sunshine

into a sad little baby.

We've waited for a long time [5 months feels like a long time!!]

and they are still not through.

I can feel the tips so that must mean something is about to happen....

right?

Ahh, the garden.

That dear neglected plot of ground that waits 

so patiently.

They say the cobbler's children go without shoes;

and I think the farmer's wife goes without a plowed garden.

[At least, until all the neighbors' gardens are planted!]

My family.

I miss them so much lately!!

I want to be there

to drop in and chat with my parents

to go shopping with my sister

and not have them miss all the sweet things Hadassah is doing.

But I can worship in the waiting.

'Til the teeth come in,

I will hold my baby and sing to her when she cries.

I will give her many things to chew on,

and pray those pearly-whites pop through very soon!

I will thank God she is healthy.

The garden always gets planted.

Let me never forget that!

Whether in March or May,

I'm glad I have a piece of ground that I can grow vegetables in.

Yes, I'd love to spend time with my family

but I'm blessed that they only live a few hours away.

I will get to see them soon, 

and in the meantime,

I will enjoy all the dear people who are family to me here.

I will worship in the waiting!

A Sentimental Sunday

Yesterday was a special day: 6 years ago, I met Eddie for the first time!

Being the sentimental girl that I am, I thought it would be perfect to celebrate with a picnic 

at Wildwood Park. 

Lucky for me, Eddie also thought it was a great idea,

 so we packed up and headed there with our supper! 

We strolled the whole way around the park in search of a grill, 

with a picnic basket, stroller, diaper bag and a bag of charcoal in tow 

before we found what we were looking for...back where we started, at the end of this bridge! 

Meet my favorite picnic basket....actually, the only one! It's a thrift store find, and I am so pleased with it!

I failed to bring along the most important thing - besides food - grilling tools! 

My dear hubby had to use a plastic spoon to flip the sausages 

and a twig to roast marshmallows!! 

[I definitely get the "wife of the year" award!]

His love for our little girl amazes me. 

I couldn't ask for a better papa for her!

Last night, I asked him if he knew I was the one when he met me.

His answer: "Well, yeah!!"

I'm so thankful for the gift of this man. He pushes me to be all that I can be,

and loves me unconditionally. 

It was a beautiful end to a day full of precious memories!

Doughnuts by the Dozen!

As part of a fundraiser for our upcoming youth trip, we decided to make some homemade doughnuts. Seriously, who can resist them? 

Not me!

They used some handy dandy cutters, which made the process go much more quickly.

These two ladies were pro's and there's no way we could have done it without 'em!!

I have no experience in the doughnut-making industry, but am excited about giving it a try now!

Don't ask how much lard we used... it ruins the doughnut-eating experience!

Carol glazed more doughnuts than she'd probably care to count.

We coated some of them in cinnamon and sugar.

Yummm!!

 At the end of the evening, we had 60 dozen fresh homemade doughnuts! Yes, 60!!!

And they were amazing.

I know that I ought to confess how many I ate, but let's just say that there's a reason I didn't jump on the scales this morning!

Unfortunately, there's still a few left in the box...and they're calling my name.

Enjoy your weekend, friends!!

Post-Easter Ramblings

Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter is a highlight of the year for me! 

Add to that the beauty of springtime, and you have something so spectacular it defies explanation.

The dogwood tree is captivating, not only for its beauty, but for its characteristics that can connect it to the cross.

Its petals have "bloodstains" and the center looks like a crown of thorns. Isn't that amazing??!!

This picture made me think of the hours when God turned away from Jesus on the cross, and darkness covered the earth. 

But death couldn't hold Him down; He rose from the dead and lives forever!!!

Hadassah got up early to eat celebrate her first Easter with a sunrise service! 

I did actually have shoes for her, but she's quite adept at kicking them off. 

I'm privileged to be a daughter of Jesus Christ,

and a mommy to this sweet little girl!

Praying that you experience the power of the Resurrection this week and always!!!

Favorite Things

:: a clothesline full of sweet baby girl things ::

:: brunch with some dear sisters {and adopted ones!}::

:: lovely spring flowers ::

:: a Pawpaw that takes Hadassah all over the farm ::

:: a baby shower for a sweet friend I met at driving school!!! {true story}::

:: beautiful horses ::

:: blossoms on the trees ::

:: Cheerios! ::

:: a happy baby and stroller rides ::

A Happy Thursday to you!!

April's Joy Dare

Many of you have heard of the amazing Anne Voskamp, author of "One Thousand Gifts". If you have not, I'd highly recommend visiting her blog. Her passion for living a life of thanksgiving has often challenged me in my walk with Christ. When I came across the Joy Dare for April, I knew I wanted to join her in counting my gifts! You can click here to print a copy for yourself. I'd love to have you join me!!

Speaking of Joy, a phrase from the song "Create in me a clean heart" has been running through my mind and lodged itself in my heart. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation" seems so appropriate for Passion Week! I don't want to forget the gift I've been given in Jesus' death on the cross. Maybe counting 3 gifts a day will help me to remember and live in joy! 

{I'd love to know if you're joining me in counting!}