Thankful for....

Lots of things because I guess I kind of let life catch up with me and I've been slacking.

-Thankful for friends that will go see total teeny bopper movies like Twilight with me. I can't remember the last time I went on an outing with anyone besides Ben and it was fun!

-Thankful for Dad's that have shops and let me do whatever projects I dream up in them. Growing up my Dad always let me build things in his shop. Even when I got older and dreamed up bigger projects he never said no and always helped and encouraged my attempts at creativity. Now I don't get to do that so much with him but Dad Fast also has a shop. I'm pretty sure I've been working on a desk for about 2months (secondary to a busy schedule and well you know, out of sight out of mind) He's volunteered advice and hasn't given me a hard time about it taking up space. I'm so blessed to have two Dad's that help me with my projects, whether they're great ideas or not so great!

-Thankful for willing teachers in my life. I've learned a lot of thins in life but some of my most valuable and memorable lessons have been from family. Whether it was how to shoot a basketball, how to hang a cabinet on the wall properly, sewing basics or more recently, the proper technique for making zweibach, they all take the time to teach me things.

-Thankful for Ben calling the heater repair man so I no longer have to dress like an eskimo in my own home.

-Thankful for sunny days in November. We've had some fog recently and it's so wonderful when there's none and the sun comes out. I admit it, I'm a California whimp and don't like cold weather. I love that it can be sunny on Thanksgiving and Christmas!

-Thankful for Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. What about Christmas you ask? Well call me a scrooge but Thanksgiving is better in my opinion. Family and friends get together to share a big wonderful meal and we remember what we are thankful for. None of the fuss with presents and having to attend a million different parties. Just good food, family and friends, and meditating on how richly God has blessed us. I think it's appropriate and a bit ironic that the Christmas season is started off by Thanksgiving. We often get wrapped up in the gift giving and hustle and bustle and forget that we should be remembering how Christ came to earth to be born in a manger for us. Thanksgiving gives me much needed perspective before Christmas comes. Don't get me wrong Christmas is fun, I just always need that moment to take a breath and remember my blessings before December hits.

Thankful for Fresh and Easy

I love Fresh and Easy, its changed my grocery shopping life. Ok, yes I'm being dramatic but really that place suits me. Reasons why I like it:
- I save money! My grocery bill is half what it as at other places. This is partially due to good prices but also is due to their coupons and friends of fresh and easy program.
- I like how small it is. They have most everything I need without having to make my way through a large store. I'm in and out in 20 minutes most times.
- its pretty much one of the only grocery stores that is convenient as far as being on my way home.
- I really like their fresh and easy brand items. They carry a lot of organic and natural products that are healthy.

Things I would change:
- Their produce can be lacking.
- They don't have trader joes almond butter (yeah I don't know what is up with that :)

Thankful for prayer

I don't know what people do without prayer. To be able to bring all my hurts and concerns and needs before God who I know hears and answers, what a wonderful thing. I admit, laying all my cares on him is difficult because I like being in control but I feel peace when I do and you know, things always turn out better in his hands. We may not always understand why we go through the things we do but he's promised he hears us and will provide all we need so we can persevere.

Thankful for farming and music

I'm thankful for farming, yes because farmers grow food and I love food but also because my husband farms. I'm going to be honest, it was hard to adjust at first. Farming isn't just a job, it's a way of life. It's not 8-5 and never will be. Busy season is summer to fall. Not only did I have to get used to Ben working Saturdays but also to the fact that you really don't get away during summer. When it's go time, you go until its done. I've gotten used to what if means to be a farmers wife and I'm thankful for it. Ben LOVES farming and having a husband who is doing exactly what he was meant to do is worth more to me than a hundred summer vacations.



Music. I grew up in a family that loves music and always were involved with it. My mom tried to teach me piano and I was a bad student, how I regret that as an adult! I learned to sing in church reading hymnals. I played flute in band and am now involved in RBC choir. I'm not a talented singer by any means but it does make me happy to be involved in music and I hope to be able to keep it that way for life!

Thankful for RBC and Football

Rosedale Bible Church. Ben grew up in this church and when we moved here after getting married it seemed liked the natural choice. I'm not going to lie, at first we weren't sure. We don't have anyone else our age. There are some close but we are definitely the babies of the young couples. We tried a couple of other churches but God moved in our hearts and we knew we belonged at REC. We've gotten involved in a married couples bible study and me in choir and Ben with sound. It took a while but I think we've found our place and we have been so blessed by the people there.

Football. I know, a stark contrast but still I'm thankful. Ben and I always watch games together and I can't count how many times we've had people over to watch games and hang out. We've had so many fun, relaxing nights that are tied up with football. Funny I know but I love those nights.

Thankful for Costco

Nothingmakes Ben happier than this sight:



A pantry full of snacks. He loves his snacks. He either stuffs his pockets when he can swing by the house or stuffs his lunch box in the morning. Thank goodness for Costco because otherwise all these snacks would really cost us since my husband still has the metabolism of a high schooler.

Thankful for craft dates and pumpkins

And when I say craft dates that's definitely not with Ben but mostly my friend Lidy. We meet eachother at work and though she no longer works with me we share a love of crafts and get together to make things sometimes. Today we were attempting burlap banners. Let's just say we so did not plan ahead just kind of went for it and only got half of what we wanted to do done. It was just fun spending time together even though we totally got very little accomplished.

Pumpkins, when I say love pumpkins I mean in decor and in food. (Except pumpkin pie, I know I'm weird) They're so festive and tasty and when you see pumpkin patches that means thanksgiving is close!

Thankful for our home and nephews

We may live a mile down a dirt road in the sticks but I do love it. It's peaceful. Our dogs don't even know what a leash is. And I don't know anyone else that jets skis in the canal in front of their house. Yes we may be hick but we love it. It isn't our forever home but its been great in this time of life.




I have 3 wonderful nephews. Being the oldest child I thought it would be a long time before I got to be Auntie Kelly. Marrying the youngest child has its perks. Levi, Charlie, and Henry all hold a special place in my heart and I'm so glad I get to be a part of their lives.

Uncle Ben was sneaking Henry some extra ice cream at one point if I'm not mistaken :)

Thankful for....

..two things since I forgot yesterday.

First I'm thankful for my puppies. I know, oh, good grief she's one of those! I never thought I'd be a dog person as I didn't grow up with them. Then I met Ben and he loves dogs and let's just say I'm a convert. My walks would be so boring without them and what fun would hoeing weeds be without them laying right in the way. Or riding in Ben's jeep with them trying to crawl into my lap. Yup I'm a sucker and they are spoiled doggies.



Second I'm thankful for good friends. Specifically today I'm talking about my friend Ruth. We met in college and have gotten really lose over the years. I got to visit her today and meet her precious baby son Luke. She always has been there for me and knows how to call me out when I need it or just listen. We always have fun and our friendship has always come so naturally. We both hate that we live 2 hours away instead of 2 minutes like the old days but we take advantage of whatever we get. I know God put her in my life and I'm thankful to know her. And I'm so happy for her and her husband Justin. What a precious baby boy they have been blessed with!

Thankful for adventures in Ben's Jeep

If you know Ben you know he loves his projects and I have to admit when he was excited about re-doing a mail jeep I laughed. I had no idea that it would end up so great. It's still a work in progress which means it missing the windshield. The first time I went for a ride that wasn't just a short one we actually had to go down a paved road which requires going faster than 20 mph. I got smacked in the face with so many bugs I swore I wouldn't ride in it until het got a windshield. Well I have gone for more rides, yesterday being even more memorable than the bugs. It was cold but I bundled up and agreed to ride with Ben to the gas station as we like to do once in a while. (Yes I know us country folk are terribly exciting). It wasn't too bad on the way there, just cold. Welllll on the way back it started raining! Not sprinkling, raining. We both look at each other and start laughing because yeah it wasn't one of our best ideas. We were frozen by the time we got back but I don't think I'll forget that ride anytime soon! It's the simple things in life really isn't it?

Thankful for rain...

Today I am thankful for the rain. We need it so badly here and it just makes everything (including the air) look fresh and new. Even though the timing might not be convenient for cotton farmers like us I am still thankful for what we get. Plus I just love the way it smells!

Tis the season...

Today I was in Target and had to waste some time so I was meandering. Holy cow the whole Christmas section is up and running! This set off a line of thought for me. Wow the holidays are dangerously close...and pretty much every panicky feeling that comes with that thought. So I had to stop myself from going down that dark road and decided that I should probably get a move on with certain things but that I should also do something to remind me of what the holidays are really about. Thanksgiving is a day for Family, friends and food but also remembering what you're thankful for. So this month I'm going to post something everyday I'm thankful for. Since I'm 3 days in, here are 3 things ( and I use the term "things" lovely because it might be people, memories or whatever):

1. That I have God serving parents who brought me up to know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I wouldn't be who I am today without my beliefs and those who taught them to me.

2. Family: including my husband, parents, siblings, grandparents, in-laws, extend family. I'm so blessed to have great family, both my own and the one I married into. I can count on all of them and have some of my favorite memories from being with family. Family has always been important to me and always will be.

3. Work: I'm thankful for my job. Not only that I have one but for the people I work with and my bosses. I've learned so much and have grown so much there its crazy.


Yes today was a little serious and I warn you they might not all be so serious. So here goes a month of remembering what I'm thankful for.

Happy Halloween!

Re-do's

Lately I'm loving to re-do things by painting them. I found some candlesticks at the peddlers fair this year and a vase last year and wanted to give them a face lift. I took out some spray paint and went to town.

Cool candlesticks but I wasn't feeling the gold.


Off-white crackle finish vase...over the crackle.


No one else will notice it I have a feeling but I like that it looks more crisp.


Our dresser as it has been decorated for a while...


Blue candlesticks! And a little rearranging. I felt the need for a pop of color because our bedroom is very neutral.


I put some faux candles on top. I've been loving these. I've put them all over my house. I have a few big ones which have timers so they turn on every night and add such nice ambiance.


I saw this idea on Thrifty Decor Chick and immediately loved it. So easy, just grab some mason jars, candy corn and faux candles and you have seasonal fun lighting.

Stockings

I haven't posted in a while, man oh man life catches up with me sometimes. I finally finished one of my projects which was making homemade christmas stockings. I attempted counted cross stitch and well I'd rather poke myself in the eye with a needle. So then I started these. They are made out of off white flannel and accesorized according to our tastes. I'm very happy with how they turned out even though it took me until before our third christmas to get my act together.

Bunting

Bunting is my latest craft/sewing kick. It's just fun!

A little banner for my home to add a little everyday festive.


Homemade cards, a great way to use up little scraps.


A banner for my sister away at college, hopefully to add a little fun to her dorm room.

Auntie times 3!

I'm an auntie for a third time as of Sunday, to another beautiful baby boy named Levi James. Ben and I got to meet hi/ last night and he is so precious. I got one picture but if you want to see some really good ones check out his Dad's facebook. I can't wait to get to know this little guy, congratulations Denise and Andrew!

My first quilt

I've done it! My first quilt is finished! It's probably the easiest one I could attempt in the smallest practical size but hey it's completed. You know what? I could see myself doing a bigger one. I didn't do this by myself though, I had help. Thank you so much Katie for all your help and tips and letting me use your machine. It was so fun working on this project with her and well I got to hang out with Charlie too :) So here are a few pictures of my new lap quilt for my couch. Its always cold in my house and will be used allllll the time.

Things

What have I been up to lately? Well obviously not posting anything on here! So here's some catching up.

I've been getting to hang out with two of the coolest nephews in the world a lot.



I've been to 3 baby showers in the last 3 weeks. Two for my sister-in-law who is due very soon! Auntie times 3 booyah!
The other one was for my good friend Ruth.




Ben and I went to a 'Reckless Kelly and Randy Rogers Band" concert at the Crystal Palace which was so much fun.


I'm going to try my hand at my first quilt. It will just be a lap sized one so as not to dice in and drown on my first one. I'm pretty excited about it, I have a great many teachers in the family to help me along the way.


And of course, my puppies. Tiller is growing like crazy and gets to go with Ben more and more. She's already listening really well. As for Dezi, the weenie dog, she's a lost cause as far as obediance but she's just so cute!

The Chicken Saga....

....continues! Well these chickens have been quite an interesting venture in my life. We've had them for a while and I've been patiently awaiting the arrival of eggs. After all my toiling and sweating to keep them feed and their coup clean I think I deserve some fresh eggs. Yeah about that, I think my chances have decreased. One of our "hens" is an impostor! It's a rooster if i've ever seen one. Big and noisy. He cockodoodledoos all day long. It's not loud enough to bother us in the house but he can be heard. Here's a picture of him with his ladies. He's the big black one. I must admit he is pretty. His tail feathers have an iridescent quality that show hints of purple, blue, and green.


My first eggs. All within two days. They are on the small side but that's because my hens are young. Since they are white I assume they came from our leghorns. No brown ones yet.

Sadly this afternoon I have come to the conclusion I won't be having a plethora of eggs in the immediate future. This part of the saga once again invokes Dezi our little killer. I was getting ready for work this morning and heard our rooster which is typical but he wasn't acting as usual. Typically it's a cookoodoodledoo here and a cockoodoodledoo there but this morning it was NON-STOP. Whatever I thought, he's crazy. I come home after Monday lunch and go outside to do a few things. I hear Dezi growling from behind the spa at Tiller. Typical but I checked out it. Yup, you guessed it, a dead white chicken. There's a skin gap at the roof of our coup that will now be closed off, just not in time for this one. So I have one white chicken that's good for some eggs hopefully otherwise these brown ones need to get their act together. Oh, and the rooster is ticked that's why he's so loud today. I can hear him right now. Believe me when I say there's never a dull moment around here :)

Date Night....

...at home with Tahoe Joes and netlfix. Right up our alley!



P.S. We've been watching Band of Brothers, I highly recommend it. Really something that's entertaining and pretty historically accurate.

Morro Bay

We are so thankful to have this getaway. It was just what we needed after such a hot humid week and before things really get busy for Ben. We are so blessed.

Petite scrap napkins

One night we were at my sister-in-laws for dinner and Ben discovered her napkins. She had made them from scraps and they were smaller than usual. He proclaimed that these were the most perfect napkins. I've been wanting to make some myself and finally got around it it. What a fun and functional way to use some scraps!

Revamping (part 2)

I took advantage of my long weekend to do a few more fun projects, and not to mention avoiding being outside in this heat.

I got 3 frames for 25 cents each, did sort or a transparent paint job to give them more of a glazed with color look for visual interest, and then put some pressed herbs in them since they are in my kitchen. Viola homemade art.



My shelves from dad got some rearranging with new felt flower additions. Have I mentioned I have an obsession with felt? Love it!



This corner in my bathroom looked nice with the curtains but needed a little extra.


These were plain fake flowers but not they are replaced by the felt fantastic ones!


A pair of thrifted gold owls. I also have an obsession with owls currently, and the color yellow, oh an Pioneer woman iced coffee recipe....

Pickles

My first round of pickles is done! All the ingredients are grown by us except the chilies. It definitely makes for more work having to grow and pick everything but it's worth it.




My reward for my hard work....iced coffee thanks to Pioneer Woman's recipe. YUM.